Bishopstown Library

Cork City Council Architect's Department, Murray Ó Laoire ArchitectsIreland

Bishopstown Library is a modern multi-use facility, the newest and the largest of the six local public libraries in the city. Housed in a modern and spacious building, making extensive use of natural light, it incorporates the best features of modern library design. The Library is located in the grounds of Wilton Shopping Centre, near the SMA Church.

Authority and authority type

Cork City Council

Year of completion

2006

Address

Wilton Shopping Centre
Bishopstown
County Cork

Size of library: 
1023m²

Category of library

Public Library

More info on the building

http://librarybuildings.ie/library.aspx?…

Special features, internal

Community information collection
Community/activity room
Exhibition area
Housebound service
Learning space
Multi-media facilities

Overall Cost

€ 4.790.000

Detailed description

Bishopstown Library is a modern building situated adjacent to the Wilton Shopping Centre, a parish church and Cork University Hospital. There are 2 public floors and a smaller top floor with book store and plant room. The adult and children's lending and multimedia areas are located on ground floor. The information and learning area is on the 1st floor.

The north and east elevations are fully glazed to provide an informal and welcoming feel to the building. The glass curtain façade is surrounded by brightly clad terracotta and a slate coloured fibre cement clad stair tower to the rear. The library is primarily open plan on ground and 1st floor, with ceiling heights of more than 3 metres adding to the sense of space.

The library has three multi-purpose spaces which can be used independently of library opening hours; a multi-purpose space opening from the children's library (48.9m²); a glass enclosed space on the 1st floor which acts as a dedicated exhibition room (90.2m²) and a group study room (39m²).

Front of building: 
Interior: 
Stairs: 
Special features, internal: