A new €6 million library and cultural centre has opened in Naas, Co Kildare.
The project, which was delayed because of the Covid-19 pandemic, provides a replacement for the library premises located a short distance away near the Grand Canal harbour.
It is located at Naas Town Hall, which once served as offices for Naas Town Council and previous local authorities serving the urban area of Naas.
There will be a comprehensive children’s library, which will provide various media and also provide wet facilities for cultural activities, IT services, access to digital technologies, console stations and toddler storytelling area.
Digital skills development will be supported by a special suite providing access to the latest technologies including 3D printing, virtual reality and digital and audio editing, offering space for technology, training and innovation.
Study, work and research zones will be distributed through the facility and will provide dedicated quiet workspaces.
Kildare County Council Chief Executive Sonya Kavanagh said the conservation project "provides a new use for this iconic building at the heart of Naas while preserving its important history and heritage."
She said the state-of-art facilities "will provide an exceptional library service as well as a multi-use community space and cultural event space for the growing population of Naas and its environs."
