Get to Know Cobh Library

Cobh Library is located in the impressive Arch Building in Casement Square. The construction of this historic building was commissioned by the Smith Barry family (of Fota Estate) and was completed in the early 1800’s. The building began life as a market house, one of the key buildings in any town, and has over the years has served as a courthouse, town hall and memorably, and as a temporary morgue for the victims of the Lusitania disaster in 1915. It has been a library since the mid 1900’s and has welcomed successive generations of readers in that time. 

The library is staffed by Julie, Ed, Niamh, Claire and Sheila. Our opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 17.30pm. Our contact number is 021-811130 and our email is cobh.library@corkcoco.ie

We are lucky to also have a separate Exhibition Space which allows us to run monthly exhibitions by local artists and groups. It also means that we can run lots of events and group meetings while preserving the library as a space for reading and study.  

We have 2 computers for public use along with remote printing and photocopying. Please note that we cannot accept card payments in Cobh Library. We also hold daily newspapers the Irish Examiner, Irish Times and Southern Star and Hello magazine weekly. 

The Exhibition Room has a full electric piano for public use. No need to book, just come in and play. 

Knit and Natter Group

Regular groups and events for adults:

Tuesday – Great Island Writers Creative Writing group meet at 3pm – 5pm. New members are welcome.

Wednesday Mornings – Knit and Natter. Group is currently full.

Wednesday Afternoons – 45’s Card Game kicks off at 2pm every Wednesday.

Thursdays – EmployAbility Drop In Jobs Clinic to support people with disabilities to secure and maintain employment. Fortnightly from 2pm – 4pm.

Fridays – Cobh Women’s Shed meet at 10.30am.

Saturdays – Book Club on the last Saturday of the month. From 11am – 12pm. Group is currently full.

The East Cork Songwriting Group meets the second Saturday of the month from 10am – 1pm, new members welcome.

Regular Groups and Events for Children:Tuesdays – Baby Club for pre-walkers. Weekly at 11am.Wednesdays – Teen Bookclub is on the last Wednesday of the month from 4pm – 5pm. New members are welcome.Fridays – Storytime and colouring for ages 3+ is on weekly at 3.30pm.Saturdays – Drop In Lego Club – Weekly 4pm to 5pm.

Cobh Women’s Shed

There is paid parking and a disabled parking space in the car park directly behind the library. The library is fully accessible, and we have baby changing facilities.