SDCC Libraries and Tallaght University Hospital Launch LibCabinet

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) Libraries, in partnership with Library & Information Services at Tallaght University Hospital (TUH), are delighted to announce the installation of a LibCabinet in the Hospital foyer, offering patients, staff, and visitors a convenient way to borrow books from the public library. The installation of the new service is the first of its kind in a hospital in the country.

The LibCabinet aka “The Little Library” is a self-service library kiosk that enables users to borrow, return, and browse a curated selection of books at their convenience. Located in the main hospital foyer, the LibCabinet aims to bring the joy of reading directly into the daily lives of patients, staff, and visitors, supporting wellbeing and lifelong learning.

“This collaboration demonstrates the positive impact libraries can have beyond our own walls,” said Sile Coleman, Acting County Librarian, SDCC. “By bringing books from the public library service directly to the Hospital community, we are helping to support comfort, distraction and relaxation in a busy healthcare setting.”

Tallaght University Hospital has welcomed the initiative as part of its ongoing commitment to promoting holistic care. 

“We are delighted to partner with SDCC Libraries on this project,” said Sharon Larkin, Director of HR at TUH. “The LibCabinet provides patients and staff with easy access to reading material that can make a real difference during hospital visits. At TUH, we are proud to have a hospital library that that provides access to world-class healthcare resources and supports staff in their research, continuing development and in direct patient care. The availability of this new resource, a collaboration between both of our Library services, is an incredible additional benefit to staff, who often work very long hours with long commutes and find it is difficult to get the time to access the public library services.”

“This fantastic new service is part of SDCC Libraries’ commitment to extending services into community spaces and making books more accessible to all,” said the Mayor of SDCC, Cllr Pamela Kearns.

Library membership is free, and new members can register online or at any branch to enjoy a wide range of resources, including eBooks, audiobooks, online learning, and more.

The Little Library LibCabinet at TUH was officially launched today with both organisations looking forward to welcoming the Hospital community to explore the collection.

For more information on SDCC Libraries and membership, visit: Libraries - SDCC