Dublin City Council's Ballymun Library has marked its 50th anniversary with a community celebration hosted by the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, at the library on 19 October 2026.

Opened on 13 October 1976 by the then Lord Mayor of Dublin, Jim Mitchell, the branch was described at the time as the city's largest and best-equipped library, launching with 35,000 books. It was the third in a series of libraries developed by Dublin Corporation in the 1970s, following Dolphin's Barn and Raheny, and today serves Ballymun, Glasnevin, Santry, Whitehall and neighbouring areas.

Constructed by Kenneally and O'Keeffe over twelve months at a cost of £150,000, the distinctive cruciform building was designed by Dublin Corporation Architects in the Civic Amenities Department. On opening, it offered separate adult and children's libraries, a reference section, lecture facilities, reading development collections and an innovative music cassette lending service.

Speaking at the event, the Lord Mayor of Dublin, Daryl Barron, said: "Through periods of enormous change in Ballymun and across Dublin, the library has remained a trusted presence at the heart of community life." He paid tribute to staff, volunteers, community partners and readers for their contribution over five decades, adding, "A library is more than a building and a collection. It is the memories created here, the friendships formed, the opportunities discovered and the countless journeys that began with the turn of a page."

The library has its own place in Dublin's cultural life: visitors have included President Patrick Hillery and author Roddy Doyle, while writers Patricia Scanlan and Pádraig Kenny both worked on its staff.

Evolving with its users' needs, the library now provides self-service options, public computers, laptop lending, gaming collections, free Wi-Fi and an extensive range of digital resources. Recent upgrades have introduced new study spaces, accessible seating and dedicated areas for young people.

In 2025 alone, Ballymun Library welcomed almost 18,500 visitors and staged more than 600 events attended by over 8,000 people. Its programme spans story times and book clubs to dementia cafés and language exchanges, offering opportunities for all ages to learn, connect and participate.

Brendan Teeling, Acting City Librarian, said, "Ballymun Library opened in 1976 with a clear idea of what a modern public library could offer its community, and it has never stood still. People still come here for books, and they also come to study, get online, borrow a laptop, play games or take part in one of the hundreds of events held here every year. The library has changed with Ballymun, and Dublin City Council will keep investing in it so that it continues to meet the needs of the people it serves."

The anniversary forms part of a programme of events, exhibitions and activities at the library throughout October. Photographs from the opening will be issued by Conor McCabe Photography.