New library opens in Rathmines

The new Carnegie Public Library and Technical Institute has opened in Rathmines. Mr Francis McBride, President of the Library, oversaw the opening, and he congratulated Mr Batchelor, the architect, and the builders, J and R Thompson, for a job well done. The library was not only a new building, but was also the first in Ireland that will be open access – all previous libraries in the country have been open only to members. Anyone can enter the Rathmines Library and browse the shelves.

The Rev T.A. Finaly, SJ, also spoke and thanked Andrew Carnegie, the American philanthropist, for his financial support in the building of the library which, Rev Finlay stated was a ‘municipal treasure’.  The library meant that ‘all classes had much to feel thankful for, and especially the poor working man, who by it could lift himself above the cares and anxieties of his arduous work and realise a spirituality and joy in life which he could not otherwise attain’.