A new chapter for local learning and community life has begun in south Dublin. Stillorgan Library officially opened on 30 September 2026, bringing residents a larger, modern facility designed for reading, study, digital access, creativity and community events.
The two-storey library at St Laurence’s Park replaces the prefabricated branch that served Stillorgan since the 1970s. Covering more than 1,000 square metres, the new building is roughly twice the size of its predecessor and is expected to become a major feature of the area’s regeneration.
Stillorgan Library expands public services
The official opening was led by Cllr Barry Saul, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council, alongside Minister of State Jerry Buttimer, council chief executive Frank Curran and County Librarian Catherine Gallagher. Pupils from Oatlands Primary School also attended the launch.
Facilities at the new branch include:
- Flexible study and learning areas
- Meeting rooms for community use
- Public computers and technology services
- Exhibition and cultural spaces
- An outdoor courtyard
- Improved accessibility throughout the building
The library is also planned to become a My Open Library facility. Once introduced, the service is expected to extend access from 51 hours a week to 98 hours, giving members more flexibility outside standard staffed hours.
A long-awaited return for the community
Stillorgan Library has historically been one of Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s busiest branches, recording more than 100,000 visits each year. When the former building closed in October 2021, services moved temporarily to Stillorgan Village Shopping Centre while construction continued.
The new library will serve Stillorgan, Mount Merrion, Kilmacud, Leopardstown and nearby communities. Its position near the Lower Kilmacud Road and N11 junction is intended to improve connections with public transport, walking routes and cycling infrastructure.
“Dublin news” readers may also be interested in how the project forms part of a broader St Laurence’s Park redevelopment, which includes 88 social and affordable homes and public-realm improvements.
Investment in education, culture and connectivity
The project received €2.5 million through successive Department of Rural and Community Development Libraries Capital Programme allocations. Local and national representatives described the investment as an example of government cooperation to deliver accessible civic infrastructure.
Beyond lending books, the facility is intended to support lifelong learning, digital participation, cultural programming and social connection. Its meeting rooms, technology services and adaptable spaces will allow schools, community groups and residents to use the library in different ways.
Stillorgan Library joins Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s network of nine public libraries. The branch opens to the public on Thursday 1 October 2026.
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What the opening means for Stillorgan
The new facility gives residents a contemporary space to read, work, study, access technology and meet others. It also strengthens the civic identity of St Laurence’s Park while supporting wider regeneration in the district.
Key takeaway: Stillorgan Library is more than a replacement building. It is a substantial investment in learning, culture and community life, with expanded facilities and planned longer access hours for residents across south Dublin.
