Kilbeggan Library opens new chapter
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Cllr Tom Farrell, Minister Jerry Buttimer, Senator Paul Daly, Cllr Paul Hogan, Cllr Johnnie Penrose and Cllr Aenghus O’Rourke alongside Westmeath County Council staff Jackie Finney, director of services, and Paula O’Dornan, senior executive librarian.Image 2 of 6
Anne Marie Kelly, Colm Muldoon and Lesley Anne Murphy, Westmeath Libraries staff at the official opening last Tuesday.Image 3 of 6
The Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan trad group provided the entertainment on the day with teacher Neasa Mangan Lynch.Image 4 of 6
Anne Marie Kelly presenting Minister Jerry Buttimer with a book by the late Manchán Magan, who lived in Westmeath for many years.Image 5 of 6
Minister Jerry Buttimer delivering his speech at the event to officially reopen the Kilbeggan Library last Tuesday.Image 6 of 6
The refurbished library overlooking the market square in Kilbeggan.Shane King
Like opening the first page of a long-awaited book, Kilbeggan turned a new chapter this week as its historic library officially reopened following extensive refurbishment works, breathing fresh life into one of the town’s most cherished buildings.
Minister of State at the Dept of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, Jerry Buttimer, performed the official reopening ceremony alongside elected representatives, council officials, library staff and members of the local community, on Tuesday last, January 13.
The event also marked the launch of the ‘My Open Library’ service, which will allow registered members to access the library from 8am to 10pm, seven days a week.
Welcoming attendees, Cllr Paul Hogan, leas-cathaoirleach of Westmeath County Council, highlighted the historical and community significance of the building, which occupies a prominent position on Market Square.
“Built in 1828, Kilbeggan Library is housed in an attractive and prominently positioned building which dominates the square here in the centre of Kilbeggan,” he said.
“This building has always been a focal point of civic life in Kilbeggan. Its evolution from courthouse to community library reflects the town’s story of resilience, adaptation and pride of place.”
Cllr Hogan explained that while the building previously underwent a full refurbishment in 2006, changing community needs and new national and local strategies made further redevelopment essential.
“A building refurbishment was necessary to improve the internal flow and layout, use the space in a more efficient manner and set the necessary technologies and infrastructure in place for the provision of the My Open Library service,” he said.
The project aligns with national and local library strategies and was funded by €208,000 from the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, and a further €393,000 was contributed by Westmeath County Council.
“This significant contribution, going well beyond the initial allocation, ensures the building receives the standard of refurbishment that it deserves,” Cllr Hogan said, adding that the investment supports town-centre regeneration, sustainability goals and long-term community benefit.
In his address, Minister Buttimer spoke passionately about the evolving role of libraries and their importance at the heart of communities. “You can put aside political differences, you can have a different political viewpoint, but the heart of what we try to do is about nurturing community, public and people in this wonderful space,” he said.
Recalling Albert Einstein’s famous quote, the minister added: “The only thing you absolutely have to know is the location of your library. And the library here isn’t hidden, it’s in the very heart of this great community.”
Minister Buttimer said modern libraries have evolved far beyond being a place for books alone. “It’s not just the refurbishing of a building; it’s the welcome, the services, the depth of what a library can bring to a community.
“It’s a space where people can come to access knowledge, connect with one another and pursue lifelong learning without worrying about cost.”
Describing libraries as “our living room” and “a free public space”, he said the introduction of the My Open Library service marked “a new beginning and a new chapter” for Kilbeggan Library, noting it is the 58th branch in Ireland to offer the service.
Senior executive librarian Paula O’Dornan told the Westmeath Examiner that the reopening was the culmination of years of collaboration. “There’s so much work that goes into projects like this, from staff and contractors to the design team and the wider community. It’s wonderful to finally get over the line and be open for the public,” she said.
Explaining the benefits of the My Open Library service, Ms O’Dornan said it would provide much-needed flexibility. “It gives access to the library building from 8am to 10pm. It won’t suit everyone to come in during staffed hours, so this opens up the service, whether someone needs a quiet space to study, to print something, or to pick up a book.”
Lively traditional music performed by students from Mercy Secondary School Kilbeggan, added to the celebratory atmosphere of the event.