In the quiet suburbs of Dublin, where the rustle of book pages once defined the rhythm of public spaces, a new beat is emerging. Tallaght Library, a cornerstone of community life in South Dublin, has traded its traditional silence for the pulsating energy of techno music. At the heart of this transformation is 15-year-old Ellie Long, a third-year student from nearby Clondalkin, who goes by the DJ handle Ellie L. Under the banner of the Noise Music DJ Collective, Ellie and her peers are not just learning to spin tracks—they’re redefining what a library can be. This initiative, spotlighted ahead of National Public Libraries Open Day on September 27, 2025, is turning heads and boosting footfall, proving that libraries are evolving into vibrant hubs for creativity and youth engagement.
The story of Ellie Long is one of passion ignited early and nurtured in unexpected places. Starting her DJ journey at just nine years old, Ellie received her first set of mixing equipment as a gift, sparking a lifelong love affair with electronic music. Inspired by her father, Alan Long, whose 1990s playlist featured icons like Swedish House Mafia and Tiësto, Ellie found her calling in the high-energy world of techno beats. “I got my love for the DJ scene from my dad,” she shares, her voice carrying the enthusiasm of someone far beyond her years. “His favorite tracks would play in the house all the time, and I’d just bob along, imagining myself behind the decks.”
What began as a solitary hobby quickly evolved into something more communal when Ellie Long discovered the classes at The Loft, a dedicated upstairs space in Tallaght Library. This isn’t your average after-school club; it’s a professional-grade studio where teenagers like Ellie hone their skills on industry-standard DJ equipment. Every Tuesday, the air fills with the hum of turntables and the thump of basslines as young participants dive into the art of beat matching—synchronizing tracks to create seamless transitions—looping sections for hypnotic builds, and layering effects to add depth and drama to their sets.
Facilitated by local music enthusiast Gerry Horan in partnership with South Dublin County Council, the Noise Music DJ Collective has become a safe haven for aspiring artists. “They provide all the equipment for us, and we have loads of gigs,” Ellie explains. “It’s brilliant for young people—you meet others who are into the same music.” Ellie’s progress is a testament to the program’s hands-on approach. From her first tentative mixes to performing live sets that get broadcast on local radio and streamed online, she’s built a portfolio that rivals seasoned pros. Her sets often weave in the pulsating techno influences from her father’s era, blending them with contemporary edges to create something uniquely her own.
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It’s not just about the music; it’s about the confidence gained from standing in front of a crowd, cueing up the next drop, and watching the energy ripple through the room. For Ellie, a typical session at The Loft might start with practicing transitions between tracks, ensuring the BPMs align perfectly, before experimenting with filters and echoes to craft an immersive soundscape. Downstairs, library patrons continue their quiet pursuits among the stacks, blissfully unaware—or perhaps subtly uplifted—by the creative cacophony above.
The Loft: Where Silence Gives Way to Sound
Step into Tallaght Library, and the contrast is striking. On the ground floor, the familiar hush prevails: readers pore over novels, students whisper over study notes, and the occasional page-turn punctuates the calm. But ascend to The Loft, and you’re transported to a different world. This upstairs haven, with its graffiti-adorned walls showcasing local artwork, pool tables for downtime, and state-of-the-art DJ booths, pulses with possibility. It’s here that the Noise Music DJ Collective comes alive, inviting teenagers to “make some noise” in the most literal sense.
Launched as part of South Dublin Libraries’ push to diversify services, The Loft isn’t just a room—it’s a launchpad. Equipped with professional Pioneer decks, mixers, and software that mirrors what’s found in top clubs, it democratizes access to tools that might otherwise be out of reach for young people from working-class neighborhoods like Clondalkin and Tallaght. The program’s structure is deliberate: weekly sessions build from basics to advanced techniques, culminating in opportunities for live performances.
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Participants learn not only the technical side—how to scratch records for that signature flair or EQ frequencies to carve out space in a mix—but also the softer skills, like collaborating on group sets or curating playlists that resonate with diverse audiences. The impact on the library itself has been profound. Since the collective’s introduction, footfall has surged by 34 percent, with new memberships pouring in from families eager to expose their kids to positive outlets. Liz Corry, senior executive librarian at Tallaght, beams with pride when describing the space.
“It really is fantastic to see The Loft with its DJ music and classes, pool tournaments, art work on the walls, and the library itself all under one roof,” she says. This integration of culture and education fosters a sense of ownership among youth, turning potential disruptors into invested community members. For many, like Ellie, it’s the first time they’ve had a space to explore music without judgment or financial barriers. The Loft’s dual-level design cleverly balances worlds: the beats throb overhead without overwhelming the sanctity below, creating a symbiotic environment where creativity fuels curiosity.
Beyond the decks, The Loft extends its reach through interdisciplinary ties. Art workshops adorn the walls with murals inspired by album covers, while gaming nights build camaraderie. It’s a microcosm of modern youth culture, where techno beats underscore lessons in digital literacy and entrepreneurship—after all, streaming mixes online teaches the basics of personal branding in today’s gig economy. As National Public Libraries Open Day approaches, The Loft stands as a flagship example of how these institutions are adapting, drawing in demographics that once saw libraries as relics of a quieter age.
Beats, Community, and a Brighter Future for Libraries
The Noise Music DJ Collective isn’t just about individual talent like Ellie Long’s; it’s a ripple effect transforming entire communities. In areas like Tallaght, where economic challenges can limit access to extracurriculars, programs like this offer more than music—they provide belonging. Ellie echoes this sentiment: “You meet others who are interested in the same music,” she says, highlighting the social glue that binds the group. Friendships forged over shared drops and late-night practice sessions often extend beyond The Loft, leading to collaborative gigs and even mentorships among peers.
The broader implications for public libraries are equally exciting. Traditionally bastions of literacy, these spaces are now embracing multimedia revolutions. DJ decks join the ranks of 3D printers, coding labs, and recording studios as standard fare, reflecting a shift toward holistic education. In Tallaght’s case, the 34 percent footfall increase translates to more eyes on books, more ears tuned to story hours, and a revitalized sense of purpose. It’s a model that’s catching on nationwide, with similar initiatives popping up in libraries from Cork to Galway, all timed to showcase their wares during Open Day events.
For Ellie Long, the future gleams with potential. Already eyeing bigger stages, she dreams of headlining festivals while balancing her studies. “The gigs we’ve had so far are just the start,” she confides, her eyes lighting up at the thought. With her father’s unwavering support—Alan, a photographer who captured her in action at The Loft—Ellie is poised to carry the techno torch forward. Her story underscores a vital truth: encouragement in youth can amplify voices that might otherwise fade into silence.
As Tallaght Library thumps with fresh energy, it’s clear that the days of “shush” are numbered. In its place rises a symphony of opportunity, where 15-year-olds like Ellie Long aren’t just encouraged to make noise—they’re empowered to lead the remix. This September 2025, as libraries across Ireland fling open their doors, Ellie’s beats serve as a rallying cry: innovation isn’t confined to pages; it thrives in the pulse of progress.