Access | Inrochtaineacht

Public libraries are open to all. Few other public arenas are so diverse in terms of usage by the local community. Cork City Libraries is committed to providing broad access, to enhancing real inclusion, minimizing barriers to use and to giving everyone the means to read, learn and explore.

Cork City Libraries make knowledge and information available to everyone in the city through high-quality and relevant collections, library spaces, and digital content. Our collections are in all formats, including digital, and are driven by evolving patron needs and interests. This is fundamental to the mission of Cork City Libraries and fundamental to a functioning democracy.

We aim to make our library buildings safe, welcoming, accessible to all and fitted with relevant and accessible technology. We aim to learn more about our non-users and what they need before we can begin to provide for them. 

All our library buildings have a Loop system fitted.

In addition Cork City Libraries has achieved:

• Deaf Friendly Best Practice
  Cork City Libraries has received Best Practice Certification for being a Deaf and Hard of Hearing Friendly Service from Cork Deaf Association.
• Literacy Friendly 
  Best use of Plain English by an Organisation, awarded by the National Adult Literacy Agency
• Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement from Age Friendly Ireland
• Autism Friendly
  Many of our libraries offer Autism Friendly hours and sensory friendly services. Contact your local library to enquire.

Tovertafel Magic Table

The Magic Table (or Tovertafel in Dutch), is a sensory-friendly device which projects interactive games onto a table, using both sound and images.

These interactive games are designed to help people with dementia, autism or learning difficulties.

The games respond to touch, which help stimulate physical and cognitive activity as well as encourage social interactions.

The magic table is available in Douglas Library, Hollyhill Library and Tory Top Library and there are a variety of games to choose from in each.

Bookings may be made for an individual or for groups of up to 6 people at a time.

Contact your local library for more information.

C-Pen Readers

The C-Pen is a pocket-sized reading pen that reads text out loud with a human-like digital voice and is designed to promote independent learning.

Those with dyslexia, or difficulty with reading or pronunciation, those learning languages or with vision problems will find the pens extremely helpful pieces of technology.

Each branch in the City Library network have a C-Pen Reader that may be used in-branch. Contact your Local Library for more Information. 

Library Link Home Library Visits

Cork City Libraries operates a home service for people who are unable to visit their local library due to illness, reduced mobility or disability. This is a city-wide service and is free of charge. For full information visit our Library Link page.

Growing Imaginations

Visit our Growing Imaginations page for information on this programme for adults with intellectual disabilities

Mind Map of Resources for Dementia Care

Here at Cork City Libraries we have many resources to help you Love Your Brain. To observe Brain Awareness Week 2023 we have made a short mind map video detailing some of the FREE resources available to all of our patrons!