Second ‘Little Library’ opens in Galway town as community book project expands
In the small town of Headford, County Galway book lovers of all ages can refresh their monthly read through Little Libraries, a community group driven project who just announced a second mini library location.
Little Libraries founder Emma Halloran announced the opening of a second bookstand at the Moyne Villa Sports Complex this weekend, expanding the project that first launched in the town last year.
The Little Libraries are small, three-shelf containers filled with books for residents to borrow and donate. Open 24 hours a day and free of charge, the facilities operate on a simple “take a book, leave a book” basis.
Fergus Hassett and Kevin O’Brien from the Mens Shed. © Emma Halloran
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Ms Halloran said Headford’s “strong community spirit” convinced her the initiative would be well supported.
Last year, Ms Halloran brought the proposal to the Headford District Association (HDA), where she serves on the committee. The idea was warmly received and soon gathered momentum, with representatives from Headfest, the music and community festival who are also involved with the HDA, providing funding to help bring the project to life.
The Headford Men’s Shed took responsibility for constructing the libraries, building two units from the outset.
Donation from Headfest to the HLL project. © Emma Halloran
Further support came from Headford Library, where head librarian Jane Bane donated Perspex screens previously used during the pandemic, which were repurposed as doors for the bookstands.
“It was lovely how it kind of took legs and everybody did a little bit,” she said.
Choosing suitable locations was a key part of the project, she said, as the libraries needed to be both accessible and protected from the elements to provide for proper perusing.
The first Little Library was installed at Campbell’s Tavern in October 2025. Ms Halloran, who previously worked at the pub, said its owner was keen to support a community-focused initiative.
The second location came about following a request from Moyne Villa.
“The Headford District Association has close ties with Moyne Villa because we use their buildings for meetings. When I was there for a meeting one day, one of the people in Moyne Villa said, ‘Please come, we’d love to have one here as well.’”
Keeping the shelves stocked has also become part of a wider community recycling effort. Through partnerships with a local national school library programme and ongoing donations from residents, books continue to circulate throughout the community.
“Now whenever anyone is offering me books, I’ll put the children’s books in the school library. If there’s spare books or adult books, I’ll put them in the little libraries.”
Emma Halloran and Headford Librarian Jane Bane. © Emma Halloran
“It’s a very circular system where everything gets used until it’s on its last legs, and then it goes in recycling or gets put on the front of the little library as papier mache.”
With the initial phase of the project now complete, attention is turning to future expansion.
Ms Halloran hopes to develop a more robust outdoor version of the Little Library that could be installed in a public space such as the Lace Gardens.