Seirbhísí Brainse
Branch Services

Our libraries offer assistive technologies and items for use in the branch, including:

• Communications boards
• Ear defenders
• Oversized keyboards (for use with library PCs/laptops)
• Computer tracker pads/joysticks (for use with library PCs/laptops)
• Baskets and trolleys for carrying books
• Stools to sit on while browsing shelves

Please enquire at your branch about availability.

All our libraries provide public access computers. Our PCs are managed by Netloan PC reservation software. Sessions are 60 minutes in duration, and can be self-extended at the PC, subject to availability. PC sessions in all our branches can be reserved in advanced via the online booking portal or by contacting the library directly.

• Users must agree to the terms and conditions of computer and internet access before using these PCs.
• Children are permitted to use PCs provided that a parent or guardian has given consent. Children are permitted one session (up to 60 minutes maximum) per day.

Laptops

Laptops may be borrowed from special LapSafe lockers at select library branches with your library card and PIN. These loans last for 3 hours and are only for use in the library. Our laptops have Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint installed. It is not possible to install your own software to library laptops, nor do they have CD-ROM drives.

Patrons are also welcome to use their own devices in our libraries and connect to library WiFi.

Many of our libraries offer bright, welcoming spaces perfect for events, workshops, and community programming.

Some branches feature dedicated event areas equipped with Samsung Flip screens, laptops, and projectors to help make your session a success.

Interested in using these facilities? Get in touch with your local branch - staff will be happy to guide you through the options.

Home Energy Saving Kits are available to borrow, free of charge, from our libraries. The kit contains five tools to help you measure how your home is using energy, where energy might be escaping and how you can make easy changes to start saving right away. Included in the kits are:

• Thermal leak detector: measures heat loss and identifies areas to insulate in your home.
• Plug-in energy monitor: measures how much electricity your home appliances are using.
• Temperature and humidity meter: measures both the temperature and humidity level of each room in your home.
• Radiator key: use the radiator key to bleed your rads and make sure they are working as efficiently as possible.
• Fridge-freezer thermometer: accurately measures the temperature inside your fridge and freezer.

Contact your local branch to enquire about availability.

Kildare Reads, the podcast from Kildare Library Service, is a celebration of books, authors, and the joy of reading. This podcast offers listeners a chance to revisit captivating conversations from past Kildare Readers Festivals, bringing the festival atmosphere and literary discussions right to your ears.

Kildare Reads invites you to settle in and listen to engaging discussions with authors about their work, inspirations, and the stories behind their books. Whether you missed these talks the first time around or want to relive the experience, this podcast is a perfect way to connect with the literary world.

Listen on Spotify

All of our libraries have self-service printing facilities for the public. You can print direct from the public PCs in the library, from USB (PDF format only) or via email. When emailing print jobs, you will receive a Release Code by return email, which confirms your printing has been received by the printer; you have 72 hours to call to the library and collect your printing by entering your release code at the printer kiosk. To find your library's printer email address, please visit the relevant library's page.

Photocopying is available at the same rates as printing.

Scanning to email address/USB is available free of charge.

This service is provided by Print Copy and Go and is subject to their Privacy Policy and Data Protection guidelines.

Payment* is via the kiosk and costs:

Please note that limits apply to the number of pages that can be printed/photocopied at one time. Enquire in-branch for more details.
* Card and cash accepted.
** A3 print, scan and copy only available at main library locations.

Reader Pens are available to borrow or use in the library. Reader pens read words and full lines of text aloud which promotes reading independence. They have a built-in dictionary, along with a built-in speaker and an earphone jack. They are rechargeable and easy to use.

The reader pens help with reading, pronunciation and language learning. They are helpful for anyone with dyslexia and are also suitable for people with visual impairment.

Kildare Seed Library is a seasonal service that encourages people to grow their own food. From spring through autumn, we offer free packets of organic, open-pollinated seeds at our seven main libraries (Athy, Celbridge, Kildare Town, Leixlip, Maynooth, Naas, and Newbridge).

Each spring, we run gardening workshops for beginners and experienced growers, and in autumn, we host seed-saving sessions, swaps, and talks on biodiversity and food sovereignty. Donated seeds, grown without chemicals, are always welcome.

🎉 In 2025, Kildare Seed Library won a Green Transformation Award for Life Sciences.

Sensory Pods are a safe space designed to address the needs of those with sensory support, processing or anxiety-based challenges. They offer options to engage or limit visual, auditory and kinesthetic supports.

Sensory pods are available in the following libraries: Kildare Town and Leixlip.

Sensory Cubbies offer a sensory solution for people with autism, ADHD and other sensory processing disorders (SPD) and anxiety. It delivers a sensory programme specific to a person’s unique sensory needs, helping them to regulate and better participate in school, work or play activities. The Cubbie is easy to use, allowing each user to adjust LED lighting, sounds and vital effects to match their needs. It provides flexible seating options including slings and rockers, and is wheelchair  accessible.

Sensory cubbies are available in the following libraries: Athy and Naas.

Please contact the relevant library directly for more info or or book a session.

Sensory toy boxes, funded by County Kildare Access Network (CKAN), are available in all 15 Kildare libraries. Each box contains items designed to support comfort and focus, including weighted toys, stress balls, ear defenders, and other sensory aids. They're free to use during your visit - just ask a member of staff if you’d like one.

Social Stories are short narratives that provide individuals, particularly those with neurodivergent needs, with information about various social situations, events, or expectations. They aim to provide help understanding and navigating social interactions, develop appropriate behaviours, and reduce anxiety or confusion in unfamiliar situations.

All of our library locations have, or are in the process of creating, branch-specific social stories; a link to view or download a branch's social story can be found in the Branch Links section of its webpage.

Most of our libraries provide desk space for study and work purposes—check with your local branch about availability.

Athy, Leixlip and Naas libraries offer dedicated study/work desk spaces that can be reserved online.

The Tovertafel is a special projector that turns any blank surface into a ‘magic table’, or interactive games surface. It was developed with the care sector in mind, focusing on making games more accessible and therapeutic to those with a cognitive challenge. In particular, games have been developed that support children and adults with autism and older adults with Alzeimher's and Dementia.

The following branches have a Tovertafel: Leixlip and Naas. Please contact the library directly to enquire.

Portable Tovertafel

Kildare Library Service also provides access to the Tovertafel through a portable projector that rotates between library branches. This unit is not available for loan. Contact your local library to enquire about availability.

Touch-type Read Spell (TTRS) is a literacy programme aimed at improving reading and spelling while teaching touch-typing. It is specifically designed for those with learning differences such as Dyslexia and Dyspraxia.

TTRS is available in the following Kildare Libraries: Athy, Celbridge, Kildare Town, Leixlip, Maynooth, Naas and Newbridge.

For more information, please contact a library branch listed above.

• Kildare Libraries provides WiFi access in all our branches subject to our full Terms & Conditions (PDF document).
• You must be a library member to access the WiFi—login using your library card number and PIN.
• Children can access the Wifi providing permission has been given by a parent/guardian and is recorded on their library account.
• Guest or temporary access is not possible.

Kildare Libraries also provide access to eduroam, a WiFi service enabling students, researchers and staff from participating institutions to securely access the internet at their institution using the library network. This is provided in partnership with HEAnet.

Bring your ideas to life with our 3D printing facilities, available in Kildare Town, Leixlip, Maynooth, Naas, and Newbridge libraries.

You can design your own 3D creations on a library PC or upload your own design file and have it printed on our 3D printer. Because 3D printing takes time and uses specialist materials, please speak to a member of staff first—they’ll guide you through the process and schedule your print.

Want to see what’s possible? Check out some of the amazing models in-branch, created by our talented library makers!

Plus, explore our Makerspace in Naas Library - a creative hub offering workshops and programming for budding innovators and designers.