There is no public library in the Mahon/ Blackrock area which at present is serviced by a mobile library. It has not been possible to secure funding from the Department for the provision of a new library and, in the current economic situation, this is not likely to change in the foreseeable future.

In these circumstances, Cork City Council has explored alternatives for the provision of a library building. One solution would be to convert the former Abode Hostel located at the Skehard Road/ Ballinure Road junction into a public library. The Abode building will be in the ownership of the City Council. It is very well located being within walking distance of hundreds of households. The estimated cost of conversion is in the region of E.600,000. It has been proposed that capital proceeds from the sale of land assets near the new Cork Medical Hospital in Mahon be invested to provide for the new library conversion.