Thurles Library

See all motives from this library

Authority and authority type

Year of completion

Address

The Source Library & Arts Centre
Cathedral Street
Thurles

Category of library

More info on the building

Awards and recommended reading

Winner of the Building Category in The Irish Concrete Society Awards 2007;

RIAI Irish Architecture awards best public/cultural building award;

an Architectural Association of Ireland Award, 2007;

Highly commended in the Partnership category, Public Library Buildings Awards, 2007

Special features, internal

Audio listening posts
Baby changing facilities
Book clubs
Café
Community information collection
Community room
Exhibition area
Learning space
Literacy material
Local studies centre
Multi-media/self-learning area
Relaxation and reading area

Special features, external

Landscaping
Riverside site

Overall Cost

Detailed description

Thurles Library is located in The Source Library and Arts Centre. The building enjoys a riverside setting on banks of the river Suir, adjacent to the town bridge, with a fully accessible riverside boardwalk. A single undulating zinc-clad roof encloses the two functions of the building, with a shared roof-lit exhibition space providing a central focus. The shared entrance and foyer ensures users of one element of the building are made aware of the other. The narrow, elongated site is located on a bend in the river. A glass facade faces out onto the river.

The branch library is on the ground floor and the Tipperary Studies Department and community space is on the 1st floor. Throughout the building colour has been used to indicate function; red for information, orange for vertical circulation and white and black for concentration and relaxation. A rooflight brings natural light and venitilation into the research area on the 1st floor.