Young Adults

dlr Libraries have lots of resources and services available to teens in the county including books, games, DVDs, online resources, blogs, IT services, study spaces and printing.

It’s Lit Blog:

Here you can find young adult book reviews by dlr Libraries staff. We strive to bring you a wide selection of titles, new and old, fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, poetry. We’ll make sure to include links to Libraries Ireland catalogue and, where possible, BorrowBox, Overdrive and uLibrary, so you can access the books straight away. You can follow the blog here.

Dedicated Collection: 

All dlr Libraries have a dedicated Young Adult Collection curated specially for teens. These collections are normally located in the adult section of the library and are easily identifiable with distinct red tape markings. You can search the library collection here. Further filters can then be applied by using the ‘Tag’ on the left-hand side of that page. 

Tough Topics: Sometimes we need information on topics that we may not be comfortable asking staff for help with. Our libraries are arranged in subject order and you just need to know the subject number for what it is you need help with. You can find a handy guide to subject numbers here (opens in PDF format).

Membership - there are 2 categories of membership for teenagers:

Young Adult 12-14: access to the children’s and young adult library, to DVDs up to a 12 rating, and to children’s Internet services where available. 

Young Adult 15-17: access to the adult library, to DVDs up to 15 rating, and to internet services. 

You can join the library here.

Events:
dlr libraries run an extensive events programme throughout the year. Watch out for suitable events here. Those of you who are over 16 can also sign up for our newsletter here.

Transition Year Work Experience Programme:

Applications for our Autumn 2025 TY work experience programme are now open. Please find application forms available to download at the bottom of the page.

• What is the Transition Year Work Experience Pilot Programme?
  dlr Libraries have developed a programme which will offer the opportunity to observe what goes on behind the scenes in our busy and dynamic library service. Participants will explore all things Library, from stock management to customer service, event planning to online resources, and will gain hands-on experience as they join the team in one of our library branches.
• Who should apply? Students who:
  • Are considering a career in libraries
  • Enjoy working with the public
  • Have an interest in literature of any sort, including non-fiction, fiction, graphic novels, children’s works
  • Would like to learn more about the role of I.T. within a modern library service
• What do I need to know?
  • This programme has an extremely limited number of places.
  • We are unable to facilitate placements outside of the dates listed above.
  • In the instance that the programme is oversubscribed, we will use a ballot system to select applicants. This will be weighted to ensure that applicants from a range of schools are selected.
• When and where will I be working?
  • Placement hours are Monday - Friday, 10.00am to 4.00pm.
  • You must be available to attend all five days of the placement.
  • Students will have an introductory session in Library Headquarters and will then be assigned to a library branch.
  • While we will try to accommodate students’ preference of branch, applicants may be assigned to any one of the following branches: Ballyogan, Blackrock, Dalkey, Deansgrange, dlr LexIcon, Dundrum.
• What will I be doing in the library?
  • You will learn about the various roles within dlr Library Service.
  • You will be offered an overview of the wide range of services that the libraries offer including stock management, event programming and online/e-services.
  • You will get an insight to the daily running of a library branch while shadowing members of staff.
  • Please note that this work experience includes a lot of walking and some lifting/carrying of items. Participants should expect to be on their feet for most of the day.
• Personal Data
  • By submitting your application, you confirm that you (or your parent/guardian if you are aged 16 or under) understand that any personal data that you have supplied to us as part of this application will be processed by us in accordance with our Privacy Statement (Privacy Statement for DLR Libraries). It is necessary for us to have this information in order to process your application and, if successful:
    • Send you relevant information about the TY work experience programme before and during your placement
    • Provide references to your school after your placement
  • If your application is successful, we then require your school to hold the appropriate levels of insurance.
• I have a question!
  • If you have any questions, or if you need this information in an alternative format, please contact Emma McKeag on 01 236 2700 or libraryty@dlrcoco.ie

Neurodiverse Teens:

Last year dlr Libraries launched a collection of books and equipment for neurodiverse children and young people.  The Accessible Services Collection - or ASC - is available to anyone who lives, works or goes to school in DLR.  There are some conditions (not too many) to avail of the stock and if anyone is interested in taking a closer look you can find out more here.

Study Spaces:
A limited number of places for studying and reference work are available in dlr Library branches. You can find out about these here.

Computer Services:
Public PCs with access to the Internet are available in all our branches. Laptops are also available for public use in all our branch libraries. These may be booked in person, by phone, by email or online.

Wi-fi is also available to library members at all our branches. Borrowers are welcome to use their own laptops, tablets etc. in our branches. Those of you under the age of 15 are welcome to use the Internet if a parent/guardian supervises. There are dedicated PCs in Ballyogan, Blackrock, Deansgrange and dlr LexIcon which can be used by under 15s alone. Full information on computer services are available here.

Printing Services:
DLR Libraries now has one streamlined solution for all your printing photocopying and scanning needs. You can read about our printing, copying and scanning services here.