Visual Guide

The National Library of Ireland(NLI) is a place for research, study, learning and history. This guide will help you prepare for your visit and know what to expect.

The range of services on offer in the NLI include:

Entrance Hall: The reception desk and the Lego Model of the Library Building
Readers Registration Office: Is located to the left of the entrance hall
Joly Lecture Theatre (Events): is located on the ground floor to the right of entrance hall.
Yeats Exhibition: The Life of W.B.Yeats, is to the right of entrance hall and is accessible to the lower level via the stairs or the lift
Family History Service: Explore your family history (this service is accessed via the main stairs behind reception desk and a Reader’s Ticket is required)
Reading Room: Is a quiet space where people study using Wi-Fi, and by reading library books (requested in advance). It is located on the first floor, accessible by the main stairs, or staff-accompanied by lift (Reader’s Ticket required)
Public Toilets: Down the stairs past reception, with accessible toilets available on the ground floor
Manuscript Reading Room: Where people study unique documents (not books), it is located in a different building at 2/3 Kildare Street. There are steps at the entrance and wheelchair access is available

Before You Arrive

Check opening hours here
If you want to use the reading rooms, you need a Reader’s Ticket
You can apply online here or in person
Bring photo ID (passport, driver’s licence, or student card) to collect your ticket

Arriving at the Library

The main entrance is on Kildare Street, in the centre of Dublin.
That means it can sometimes be very busy with transport and people.

The double doors straight ahead on arrival are operated by a push button, or use the standard door to the left
Staff at the reception desk can provide directions
If you need help with accessibility, staff are happy to assist
The Reader’s Registration office is located to the left of reception.
You may have to queue for a ticket

Meeting Library Staff

Library staff wear badges or lanyards to help you recognise them
They can help answer questions about the library and its collections
If you need assistance, feel free to ask them

Navigating the Library

The Front Hall has a digital screen with information about exhibitions and events
The Main Reading Room is up the main staircase.
The Yeats Exhibition and Joly Lecture Theatre are fully accessible
If you are using the reading rooms or family history, you must place your bag, food and drinks in a locker behind reception
The Family History Room is on the mezzanine level - up the main staircase and to the right. This is where members of the public go to find out about their family history

Sensory Considerations

The library’s Front Hall can be busy, noisy and echoey or quiet, depending on the time of day
If you need a quiet space, ask staff for guidance
Some areas have low lighting due to conservation policies.
Public toilets can be echoey
If required sensory toys are available at reception

Accessibility Features

Ramps are available externally
Lifts are available internally
Accessible toilets are to the right of reception and near and Joly Lecture Theatre
Public toilets are past reception and down the stairs
Staff can provide directions or assistance at any time