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