Ask a Librarian
All our libraries have the same make 3D printer. These printers work using a plastic filament instead of ink and build up a shape, layer by layer. Like an inkjet printer, you should have created a design for the 3D printer to print. The more complex the design, the longer it takes and in our experience, the least amount of time for a 3D printer to complete a job is in hours and not minutes so it's best to keep your designs simple to start with. Our current model in each library is the Flashforge Adventurer Pro 4. The printer uses Flashprint 5 software to slice and edit prints. It is necessary to bring your file into your local library in an .stl file type format on a USB stick to print.
If you want to learn more about 3D printing, check out our guide here.
Library users and non-users alike are invited to share their ideas and suggestions via an online portal accessible through QR codes on display across the library network or at the links below.
Get involved now here:
Sharing Our Stories, Making Our Places
The South Dublin Mobile Library service offers a free of charge Library@Home Delivery service.
Our aim is:
To provide library access to individuals who have difficulty visiting their local branch library due to mobility issues. We deliver to individuals and nursing homes on a monthly schedule. Our drivers will deliver fresh stock every month and you can return your items directly to the driver.
Who delivers?
The Library@Home service is delivered by library staff employees. The service can be adapted to cater for the personal interests, needs and requirements of individuals. Library staff accept requests or you can reserve online and can tailor the service in terms of types of material provided (talking books, large print books, paperbacks etc.) and number of items. We can also arrange to have items left in a safe place for those who prefer a contactless service.
We deliver:
Books, talking books, Large Print, DVDs CDs and information.
Interested?
If you wish to avail of the service or know of anyone who would benefit from a visit please contact the Mobile Library Service at 01-4597834 or mobiles@sdublincoco.ie.
Online Access from home
If you have internet access from home, you can do so many things that connect you to your local library service.
Online renewals of items on loan
Online reservations
Digital library for free audio and ebooks and emagazines
Online research
Local studies information
Bookclub information
Can I use BorrowBox on my Kindle Fire?
(as South Dublin Libraries migrated to a new library system in March 2022, make sure your PIN is up to date on our new system by choosing Login from this page and input your library card on the next pop up screen and then click on Forgot my PIN
South Dublin Libraries uses BorrowBox to provide eBooks and eAudiobooks. You can use from a PC, or via an app on your tablet or Apple device.
There is a BorrowBox app associated with Android and Apple devices. It is not possible to use on a regular Kindle eReader. However there is a workaround for Kindle Fire devices.
You need to set up your Kindle Fire so that it will download an app from outside the Kindle store.
Depending on the version of Kindle Fire you have:
Tap Settings on your Kindle Fire
From the Settings menu, tap More
Scroll down until you see Device
In the Device tab, set Allow installation of Applications to ON.
Tap OK when you see the warning prompt
Or:
Swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the Settings icon.
From the Settings menu, tap Applications.
Scroll down and activate the setting to allow Apps from Unknown Sources.
Tap OK when you see the
Warning prompt.
Next download and install the free Borrow Box app
Open the following website on the Kindle Fire: http://www.borrowbox.com/kindlefire
The download of the BorrowBox app will start automatically.
If a confirmation dialogue is shown, press the Confirm button.
Once the download is finished, press the notification at the bottom of the screen Download
complete – tap here to open
The installation will start. Confirm by pressing the Install button, and the installation will complete.
Finally, you will need to sign into the app with your library card and PIN and to choose South Dublin Libraries as your provider.
Open the app on your device. Search for and select South Dublin Libraries in the Library field.
Login with the number on your library card and any other details asked for. You may like to give an email address so that if you request an item, you will be notified when it is available.
And when prompted, enter your email address and confirm the Terms and Conditions having read them first.
You can then browse the collection and Choose up to 5 eBooks and 5 eAudiobooks, and download it
You can browse either eBooks or eAudiobooks. You can opt to see only available titles by ticking the box at the bottom of the screen.
When you have found an Audiobook you want, click on Borrow, and then Confirm Loan.
You then need to download the item borrowed.
If the item is an Audiobook, you can opt to download in part or in full.
If the item is an eBook, tap to open and the title will then download to the app.
South Dublin Libraries has some resources and information about where to go, what sources to use and how to research your family tree.
Some of our libraries have run workshops from time to time to guide people doing such research. These workshops often take place during History and Heritage month in August.
For more information, click here
All our libraries have areas where you can sit and read or study during our opening hours. However we can't guarantee complete silence as we have events running most days and these may take place out in the library and not in a closed room.
There are a few reasons why your card may not work for the online services.
It may be out of date.
It may have been reported lost.
Your associated PIN may be incorrect. (a new library system implemented in March 2022 requires a reset of your PIN using Forgot PIN process from your library account login)
Your patron record may be incomplete.
You may be using an out of date temporary card number.
For all of the above you will have to visit your local library with your card, photo ID and proof of address for staff to resolve the issue.
If all your details are correct, make sure that if you are signing into eBooks, eMagazines, and reference resources that you are inputting the correct library card number. Your card should start with D4 and contains 14 digits. Make sure the D is capitalised.
If all your details are correct and your input details are accurate, but your access is still blocked, please visit the library with photo ID, proof of address and your card - it may be a very simple matter to resolve and staff will be delighted to help.
Your library card is valid for 12 months from when you received it and will expire after this time.
When it has expired you will not be able to renew items online, use our online services such as emagazines and eBooks, request any items via the catalogue or use a library PC or the internet.
You can renew the library card by visiting your local library with your card, photo ID and proof of your address. The card renewal takes just a couple of minutes for library staff to process.
The South Dublin Mobile Library service, in conjunction with South Dublin County Council Branch Libraries offers a free of charge Library to Home Delivery service.
Our aim is:
To provide library access to individuals who have difficulty visiting their local branch library. We deliver to nursing homes, crèches, day care centres and individual homes on a regular basis.
Who delivers
The Home Delivery Service is delivered by library staff who have official council ID, and can be adapted to cater for the personal interests, needs and requirements of individuals. Library staff accept requests or you can reserve online and can tailor the service in terms of types of material provided (talking books, large print books, paperbacks etc.), number of items, and length of loan period. To request items, you will need your library card and PIN. Have you rest your PIN since we moved to a new library system in March 2022? If not, do a forgot PIN process from your account login.
We deliver
Books, talking books, CDs, DVDs and information.
When we deliver
Currently, the Home Delivery service operates on Friday mornings.
Interested?
If you wish to avail of the service or know of anyone who would benefit from our visit please contact your local South Dublin branch library.
Online Access from home
If you have internet access from home, you can do so many things that connect you to your local library service.
Online renewals of items on loan
Online reservations
Digital library for free audio and ebooks
Online research
Local studies information
Bookclub information
South Dublin Libraries moved to a new library system at the end of March 2022. If you had a library card and PIN for our old system, you will need to update it for the new one. You can do this at the library desk. Or you can do it online. Go to the login option at the top of the online catalogue page.
You will see an option to put in your library card number, then click on "forgot my PIN" and input the details as requested.
A PIN number will have been set by you when you register for a library card online.
If you forgot to do this, please ask library staff to help you obtain a PIN.
Once you have a PIN, you can renew online, request items online, use online collections, digital resources and manage your library account. You can also change your PIN online at any time.
We love to see children in our libraries. They add a vibrancy to the atmosphere and make us feel young again.
All our libraries have books and DVDs especially for children as well as computers that children can access. These are in a specially designated part of the library which may also include a story time area.
Events are organised for children throughout the year especially during the Summer and the Autumn. These events could be with magicians, clowns, authors, artists, writers and poets. We also run craft workshops, sessions on making scribblebots, 3D printing sessions, visits by exotic animals, puppets and more.
We have online resources for use at home to help with reading and homework or projects.
We also have a very successful Touch, Type, Read and Spell programme (TTRS) running in our libraries. Please ask staff for details.
Our libraries also offer the following:
Print and photocopying services
Study areas
3D printing
Passport forms
Toilet facilities
Story time for children
Classes
Workshops
For a complete list of service and facilities in a South Dublin library near you, find your library
If you have lost your library card, report it to the library immediately so that no-one else can use it if it is found.
You can apply for a replacement card in the library by bringing in photo ID and proof of address. You will have a new card within minutes.
South Dublin Libraries always have events happening in their branches:
- Classes such as beginners' computing or creative writing.
- Workshops such as flower arranging for Christmas or compiling a CV.
- Author visits for adults or children.
- We have a vibrant STEAM programme including coding sessions, learning to work with LED circuits, science events about astronomy, animals etc.
- We run activities for children during the Summer months including the Summer Stars Reading Adventure to encourage kids to continue reading during their holidays.
- Events in our branches are free to attend. You may have to book in advance to ensure your place.
There are themed festivals in libraries throughout the year:
January
First Fortnight
February
Engineers Week
March
Seachtain na Gaeilge
Enterprise Week
Schools Quiz
April
One City, One Book
Eco Week
Tech Week
May
Bealtaine
Poetry Day Ireland
June
Cruinniú na nÓg
Launch of Summer Stars
July & August
Summer Activities
History & Heritage
September
Culture Night
Heritage Week
Social Inclusion Week
October
Children’s Book Festival
Red Line Festival
November
Science Week
Accessibility Week
December
Festive events and activities
South Dublin Libraries has a wealth of information and resources to offer to the schools in South Dublin County.
Currently, there are over 30,000 children attending 100 primary and close to 20,000 teens attending secondary schools in the County.
Teachers from all schools can contact their local library, the Mobile Library Service and the Development Office in libraries for advice and support on all library, literacy and book related issues.
Contact Library Headquarters for:
- Advice and assistance on establishing and managing a school library.
- Advice and demonstrations to teachers and children on online resources available on our website.
- Workshops and presentations for parents on reading with their children.
- Bed-time Reading Clubs.
- Homework Help offered on our website.
- Healthy Reading/Childrens's Issues Booklist.
- Junior and Young Adult Book Club. Please email for more details and to request titles for your South Dublin Junior and Adult book club.
- Secondary School Junior Cycle class sets
PLEASE NOTE: We can only supply the quantities indicated on the lists.
Contact your local library to:
- Organise class visits when staff can explore the library with your pupils and encourage them to join, visit often and engage with all the great services on offer. Storytime can be organised as part of the class visits.
- Information on block loan facilities for teachers working in schools in the South Dublin area.
Contact the Mobile Library Service for:
- Visits to schools by the Mobile Library
- The Classroom Readers Collection - over 80 titles to choose from. Thirty copies of each titles available for borrowing for a 90 day period.
Please email for more details or to request copies for your class.
Find contact information for your local library here.
Your library card opens up a whole new world of various activities and services - and all for free! Some of these services are available in the library and some can be accessed remotely from where you are with an internet connection. For a comprehensive list of services and facilities in your local South Dublin library, click here.
In your library, you can...
- Borrow up to 12 items for 21 days and return them to any library. You do not have to pay any fines for items returned late.
- Your library card gives you access to the stock of all the public libraries in Ireland, and you can request items that you cannot find on the library shelf. There is no charge for this service. You decide where you want to collect your request from and the library will notify you by email when your request arrives at its designated pick-up branch. You should ensure your email address is included on your account.
- You can access public wifi and public PCs in the libraries. Public PC sessions last 55 minutes.
- You can print off your boarding pass and essays in the library for a small charge.
- You can access the local studies collections, attend events, workshops, and sign up for classes.
- You can read the daily newspaper, weekly and monthly magazines in the library.
- You can study in the library.
You can use your library card online to:
- Download eBooks and eAudiobooks.
- Borrow and read eMagazines and comics.
- Learn a language.
- Do an online course.
- Read a book with your child.
- Do research and projects.
- Carry out historical research.
You can access the internet at the library.
All our libraries have PCs for public use and also WiFi connectivity for use with smart devices and mobile phone.
Can I use computers in the library?
Using your library card and PIN, you can access our library PCs during library opening hours.
You can reserve a PC for use at a time that suits you or use one that is not reserved when you are in the branch.
Scanners are available if needed, but must be booked with staff.
PCs shut down in between sessions to wipe any personal data.
They are automatically shut down 15 minutes before the library closes.
Please see terms and conditions of usage here
Can I teach myself how to use a computer at the library?
You can follow basic courses online using our online learning service. The libraries also run frequent beginners' computer classes. Ask staff for details.
Can children use computers at the library?
There are designated PCs for use by children but we advise that children should be supervised by parents/guardians or a designated carer at all times.
Young adults aged 12-14 years should use PCs in the children's section.
Do you have tablets to use in the library?
There are tablets which can be used in the library available to both children and adults. Children's tables have a range of apps on coding, colouring, education and nature, games, languages, reading and streaming. Adult tables have access to the internet and can be used for internet browsing, newspapers, email, microsoft word, language apps, and social media.
Is WiFi available at the library?
All our branches have WiFi connectivity both inside and outside the library building. You can surf the internet from your own laptop, netbook, tablet or smartphone using our WiFi service. You will need your library card number and PIN.
What about Wifi and security of my personal information?
Our libraries' wireless access service (with the exception of your initial logon using borrower number and PIN and secured sites which use https) is not secured and could be monitored, captured, or altered by others.
There are always risks involved with connecting to a public wireless connection. Be aware of this.
We ask that our patrons be aware of the Computer Usage Policywhen using our facilities.
What about cyber bullying?
If you are getting threatening texts or emails, talk to someone you trust.
Don't delete the email/text as this will be proof of the threatening behaviour of other towards you. Do not respond to the message.
Change your privacy settings
Block the sender's mobile number or email
For further advice, click here
You can register for a library card online. You will need to fill in details of name, address, eircode and email address. You must sign up to the terms and conditions which we advise you to read. You will be issued with a temporary number and can use this to set your 4 digit PIN.
To get your physical library card, please visit your nearest South Dublin Library with photographic ID (passport, driver's licence) and proof of your address (gas bill, electricity bill). Staff will be happy to outline all the various services that your new card entitles you to and show you the layout of the library.
Your library card is valid for one year.
After 12 months it will expire and you will not be able to borrow or access online services. To renew your library membership bring your library card, photo ID and proof of address in to your nearest South Dublin library.