Dancing in the Kitchen - Westside Library

'Take Three' in Ballybane Library

On February 6^th the launch of “Take Three” an Art exhibition took place in Ballybane Library. The exhibition of work was by local artists Terry Smith, Mary Folan and Vera Kenny. It was launched by Arts Officer, James Harold.

Garda Commissioner visits Ballybane Library

The Commissioner of An Garda Síochána, Fachtna Murphy, made a visit to the Ballybane Library on Tuesday 19^th January. The Commissioner was in Ballybane where he officially opened a new Garda Community Office.

After the official opening he made his way across the road to the library. He was introduced to the library facilities and he spent some time speaking with the Ballybane Library staff about the services which they provide to the local community.

Staff in both the Westside and Ballybane libraries work closely with the community gardai who are assigned to these areas.

The Opening times for New Garda Station, Ballybane are

Monday-Friday 6-7.30p.m.

Saturday-Sunday 6-7p.m.

Library Ireland Week

Contempo Quartet visits Ballybane Library

The ConTempo Quartet are Galway County and City Council Ensemble-in-Residence.The Quartet was formed in 1995 when the members were students at the Music University in their native Bucharest, Romania. In September 1999 they took up a three-year residency as Chamber Music Fellows at the Royal Academy of Music, London.

Recognised as one of the world's top string quartets, they have performed throughout the world. They have won numerous international prizes and worked with many celebrated string quartets, including the Amadeus, Alban, Berg, Hagen, Emerson and Tokyo Quartets.
ConTempo have performed for such distinguished people as Nelson Mandela and the EU Ministers of Culture.

Our photos show the Contempo Quartet on their recent visit to Ballybane Library with pupils from 6th class of Holy Trinity ( Mervue Girls N.S.)

Play 4All and Galway County Libraries Arts/ Social Inclusion Workshops 2009/2010

Play4all supports and promotes the inclusion of disabled children within play, youth and childcare settings. The Committee includes representatives from disability organisations, Galway city andcounty Childcare, Youth Work Ireland, Galway Rural Development, Galway County Council and Library.

We have funding from the Arts Officer, Galway County Council, to organise a series of workshops, story times, rhyme sessions, puppet sessions etc., in a number of Libraries for special schools, marginalised groups, play schools, local schools etc. The whole idea is inclusiveness and bringing children together in the Library to experience story, rhyme, song and joy.

Events were held in Tuam and Carraroe Libraries before Christmas. St Oliver’s Special School visited Tuam Library and were captivated by Jean Parker with her stories, puppets, song and rhythm. Tigh Nan Dooley had a morning of Christmas stories and carols in Carraroe Library. Mairín Nic Lochlainn told the stories and 6^th C lass from Scoil Mhic Dara sang the carols.
We are planning events in Westside, Ballybane and Galway City Libraries with Jean Parker.The events in Portumna, Ballinasloe and Loughrea Libraries, will be led by Hayley Aldous who has great experience working with children.

The images feature pupils from St. Oliver's Special School visiting Tuam Library

Art Exhibition in Gort Library

Light and Colour, an exhibition of stained glass and paintings by Andrea Lippert will be on display in Gort Library throughout the month of February.

At 3pm on Saturday 13th February, Andrea will be in the library to demonstrate and explain how a stained glass panel is made. So join her in the Library and find out how a leaded stained glass panel is put together. Free.

One Book, One Tuam’ launched in Tuam Library

The One Book, One Tuam project promotes reading, literacy, library use, and community building by motivating large groups of people to read an annual featured selection. The book chosen for this year is ‘Cirque du freak’ by Darren Shan.

A large group of adults and children attended the launch. Leo Moran from ‘The Sawdoctors’ officially launched the initiative. Mayor of Tuam, Tom Reilly attended and spoke at the launch. He spoke about the importance of reading skills and the effect that reading and the library have on the community.

Children from all the primary and secondary schools in Tuam are involved in the project. A range of workshops will be held in the library for children and adults including creative writing, circus skills, drama and dance. This initiative is community based and is aimed to develop and enhance literacy skills for both the young and old.

Photo's include Tuam Mayor, Tom Reilly and Leo Moran from the Sawdoctors.