In December 1920 the Carnegie Free Library on Anglesea Street in Cork was destroyed by a fire set by members of the British Crown Forces, along with the adjoining City Hall, and large swathes of the city centre.

Librarian and poet Thomas McCarthy tells the story of the destruction of the library, and its subsequent rebuilding in a narrative both exciting and moving.  He covers the various efforts to rebuild the city and its library, set against the evolving political struggles, the generosity and public spirit of the many donors, and the single-mindedness of then City Librarian James Wilkinson in pursuing his goal of a new city library . 

This book, and accompanying exhibition, was launched at the Central Library on Wednesday, 17 NovemberCopies of the book will be for sale at €7 each from all  library service points from Tuesday, 23 November.  The exhibition will run until 18 December in the Central Library, Grand Parade.