Rory Gallagher Music Library
Welcome to the Cork Music Library, Grand Parade
With one of the largest public library music collections in Ireland, our experienced and enthusiastic staff actively support and encourage the use of music in everyday life. Our recordings, 1,500 DVDs, 30,000 CDs, 4,000 vinyl and our fledging collection of 78s, score & book collections of 10,000 and comprehensive music reference collection is representative of this.
Our detailed catalogue and music and song index enables us to satisfy most queries. We welcome public contributions to assist us in keeping our stock and services relevant and to help us anticipate the needs of our music patrons.
Photograph: Fin Costello
IAML EXCELLENCE AWARD
INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATON OF MUSIC LIBRARIES, ARCHIVES AND DOCUMENTATION CENTRES: UNITED KINGDOM AND IRELAND BRANCH (IAML)
Cork City Libraries, Rory Gallagher Music Library
IAML Excellence Award Citation:This library offers an interactive series of musical events: recitals, lectures, exhibitions and launches, and is very much in touch with the local community and aware of its needs. It is used by professionals, amateurs, young people and those with physical and learning disabilities on an on-going basis and has become an important meeting place for the musical community in Cork. The Library is developing its stock of archival material relevant to the area and is participating in a number of partnerships within Ireland. The panel felt Cork to be a good example of a service at the centre of its community, building on local connections and taking a full part in local festivals.
Leisure Facilities
Along with our lending and reference facilities we hold Gramophone recitals on the last Friday of each month from September until May, at 11.00 a.m. Our library space is well used by the organisers of annual music festivals in the city, as a venue. We regularly hold music appreciation & relaxation courses, have performances by visiting artists, exhibitions and lectures, and we especially welcome organisations catering for disability groups and the elderly, to join us for these free activities. We provide assistance to youth clubs, musical socities , choirs, young bands and radio stations and indeed anyone involved in amateur or professional music-making in the Cork area.
Education/Information Facilities:
We welcome school visits and are a valuable resource in supporting students at all levels (primary through to third level) with projects and research. We have established a teacher multi-media resource collection. Audio and video facilities are available to all. We are commited to supporting lifelong learning and the enjoyment of music.
Music Therapy:
Music is a source of comfort in many ways for our patrons. We regularly offer music therapy sessions to community groups with an emphasis on integration. We now have a wide range of instruments for use for these sessions, by groups with special needs.
We greatly appreciate the contributions made by patrons to help us perserve our strong Cork music tradition. This is an ongoing process and we enjoy adding to the already extensive stock. Rory visitors from at home and abroad get great satisfaction from browsing through our memorabilia. Staff are happy to take time to converse about Rory and we now have a wide circle of friends.
Membership is €40, and €30 for state pensioners. Free membership for special groups.
Executive Librarian: Kitty Buckley (kitty_buckley@corkcity.ie)
Telephone: 021 4924919 Email: music_library@corkcity.ie
In 1978 the then City Librarian Seán Bohan and City Council management identified the need for a library service to support the music community, and opened our music library. The department was officially renamed the Rory Gallagher Music Library in Oct 2004, in honour of the internationally renowned Irish blues and rock guitarist who grew up in Cork city.
Cork Music Archive: