Residents, staff, and community leaders gathered on Saturday, March 21 2026, to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Strathfoyle Library building in its current location. The event served as a nostalgic tribute to the library’s evolution and its enduring role as a local cornerstone. The morning was highlighted by a special appearance from former Branch Library Manager, Mr Philip McLaughlin OBE. Spanning over 30 years of service to the area, Mr McLaughlin shared personal scrapbooks and photographs detailing the library's history, including its previous tenure on Claragh Crescent. Reflecting on his decades of service, Mr McLaughlin remarked on the unique spirit of the area: "If you find a job you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, and I found this was the case for me in Strathfoyle Library." The celebration was made possible through the collaborative efforts of local partners and volunteers. Libraries NI (LNI) extended special thanks to Marie Coyle and the Enagh Seniors Group for their logistical support. The community spirit was further showcased by local businesses and patrons, with refreshments provided by Claude’s Café Derry and Bread and Butter in Maydown. A commemorative birthday cake, crafted by Eleanor’s Home Bakery, was donated by longtime library supporters Lorraine and Martin McCartney. For those unable to attend the event, the historical exhibition featuring Mr McLaughlin’s photographs and scrapbooks will remain on display at the library for a limited time. Members of the public are encouraged to visit and explore this unique window into Strathfoyle’s past. PICTURED BELOW: Back left - Mark H Durkan MLA, Marie Coyle Chairperson of Enagh Seniors, Julie Holmes Branch Library Manager, Brian McLaughlin former Head Teacher of St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School. Front row left, Bridgeen Rutherford Project Worker of Enagh Seniors, Angela Gilloway, Bridie Doherty, Alderman Janice Montgomery UUP, Councillor Declan Norris SDLP, Lena Tracey, Anne Bryson, Sandra McMonigle. We
IN PICTURES: Strathfoyle Library marks 25 years at heart of community
Residents and former staff gather to mark 25 years of service of Strathfoyle Library
1.
Martin McCartney, Anne McLaughlin, Lorraine McCartney, Patrick Quinn, Marie Coyle Chairperson of Enagh Seniors, Bridie Doherty, young Conor Lynch, Julie Holmes Branch Library Manager, Mary Ward, Patricia Doherty, Philip McLaughlin MBE, Koran Burns, Mary Moore and Frances Pollock.
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Mayor of Derry and Strabane Councillor Ruairi McHugh presenting a beautiful piece of Derry Crystal to Philip McLaughlin MBE and flowers to Julie Holmes Branch Library Manager. Also pictured are friends and customers of Strathfoyle Library.
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Philip McLaughlin and Julie Holmes blowing out the birthday candles on the library’s 25th anniversary cake.
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Alderman Janice Montgomery UUP, Clare Hanna SDLP Leader, Councillor Declan Norris and MLA Mark H Durkan with friends and customers of LNI and Strathfoyle Library.
