Kilmallock´s library used to be a workhouse during the Irish Famine. The only remains of the workhosue are the offices used. Many people died in these workhouses due to the very poor conditions. Many of the remains are burried in Bully´s Arce, located behind the library.

More recent use of the site before the new modern library was built include a truck depot site.

Nowadays the library is used for many different community groups to gather, for example the Little Readers Group, a group for young people to improve their communication skills.