Events in Ballybane Library

Away With Words Vol. 2, edited by Susan Millar DuMars, was

launched in Ballybane Library on Wednesday July 14th at 11am. Kevin Higgins of Over the Edge launched this collection of poetry and writingsfrom the work of the Away

WithWords groups from Galway,

Ballinasloe, Gort and Athenry. This

is a celebration of their gifts and work.

Niall de Burca one of Ireland's finest storytellers shared his stories with local children.

A Facepainting workshop and Michael Redfern entertained children with a talk entitled 'Twinkle Twinkle Little Star'

‘Communicating Europe Initiative’ begins in Loughrea Library

This was a ‘Communicating Europe Initiative’ and involved placing works in translation by native writers of EU countries in selected libraries to promote public awareness of the literature and culture of countries within the EU. Loughrea Library was assigned Greece and cross-border cultural awareness iniative was formally launched there.
Members from BAFFLE, The Loughrea Creative Writers Group and The Loughrea Active Retired Association were invited to read selected poems from Greek writers. Those who read were: Liam Nolan, Mary Ida Kelly, Ian McDonald, Lucy McCrann, Ray Gately, Anne Marie Kennedy, Joe Conmy, Breid Sibley, James Kennedy and Gretel Sullivan who read on behalf of the library staff.
This was followed by a wine and Greek food reception. It was a most enjoyable evening and was attended by a large and appreciative audience.

Winners of the CILIP Carnegie & Greenaway Medals announced

The 2010 CILIP Carnegie Medal was awarded to Neil Gaiman for The Graveyard Book.
The Graveyard Book has already won the 2009 Newbery Medal, the prestigious US equivalent of the Carnegie, making Neil Gaiman the first author to complete the ‘double’ being awarded both these internationally recognised prizes for children’s fiction for the same book ensuring his place in literary history. The Graveyard Book also narrowly missed a ‘triple’ in 2010. Illustrated with evocative line drawings by Chris Riddell, it was also shortlisted for the CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal for outstanding illustration.

The Graveyard Book is the spooky reworking of Kipling’s The Jungle Book. The story opens with the violent murder of a toddler’s parents and sister that manages to be horrifying without mentioning a drop of blood. The two year old, having escaped his fate, finds himself in a graveyard. There he is adopted by its resident ghosts who bring him up and call him Bod, short for Nobody Owens.

Australian illustrator Freya Blackwood has won the 2010 CILIP Kate Greenaway Medal, the UK’s most prestigious children’s illustration award for Harry & Hopper (text by Margaret Wild).
The book movingly portrays a young boy, Harry, coming to terms with the sudden death of his much-loved dog, Hopper.
Blackwood’s pictures for Harry & Hopper were partly inspired by one of her own childhood pets; Furlani, a beautiful grey whippet who met a similarly sad and sudden end.

Ballybane Library

Pictured on the left, is County Librarian Pat McMahon presenting our youngest member of the Ballybane Library Keith Croke, age 10 Days, with his membership card..

Pictured on the right, is Pat presenting Mia Duffy age 3 with her prize as winner of the Castlepark Family Day Art Competition.

Summer Reading Challenge in Galway Public Libraries

Looking for a Summer Camp that is free and interesting, why not call to your local library and join the Summer Reading Challenge.
Galway County Libraries are inviting all children to participate in the Summer Reading Challenge and discover the joy and pleasure of reading. The theme this year is “Space Hop”, a leap into space, travelling through the galaxies, exploring the world of astromony.

The Summer Reading Challenge takes place during July and August in all Branch Libraries and Mobile Library. It is free and all children have to do is go along to their local library and get their reading log card. It is not a race or competition, all you have to do is read and enjoy at least six books. There are “selected books” to help you make your choice. Reading Certificates will be awarded to all children who reach the target of six books.

The Summer Reading Challenge focuses on the joy and pleasure of reading. Studies by the OECD show that children who read for pleasure are more likely to do well than does who don’t.

Last year over one thousand seven hundred certificates were presented to children throughout County Galway. The feedback from parents and teachers was very positive. Reading during the summer helps children retain and improve their reading skills.
We are asking all parents and teachers to support and encourage children to participate in “Space Hop”

For further information contact your Local Library or Library Headquarters 091- 562471 or email

Summer Activities in Gort Public Library

ART EXHIBITION:
Artwork by Thomas Coyne will be exhibited in the library throughout July and August. The exhibition will be launched at 7.30pm on Tuesday 6th July.

MUSIC & READING:
The Western Writer’s Centre presents an Afternoon Poetry Reading by renowned Breton publisher and poet, Eve Lerner, at 3pm on Saturday 24th July, upstairs in the library. Eve Lerner is a Breton poet and translator, poetry editor of Hopala! Magazine (a sister magazine to Planet: The Welsh Internationalist) and also runs the L'Autre Rive poetry and visual art centre in Lorient.

BOOK CLUBS:
Gort Library hosts two book clubs for adults; The Morning Reading Circle and The Evening Reading Circle. Membership for both groups is currently full.

Niamh & Emma’s Book Chat (for children by children) will take place from 7pm-8pm on Tues 22nd June and is suitable for 8 -12 year olds.

The Space Hop Children’s Book Chat will take place from 3pm-4pm on the following dates in August: Tues 3rd Thurs 5th Tues 10th Thurs 12th and is suitable for 8 -12 year olds.

SUMMER READING CHALLENGE:
The Space Hop Summer Reading Challenge for children of all ages will take place during July and August. The challenge is to read at least six library books during the long summer holidays. Children can track their progress on their Space Hop poster by collecting Space Hop stickers for each library book that they read. Every child who completes the challenge will receive a certificate at the End of Summer Space Hop Party at 12.00 noon on Saturday 11th September.

Gort library is located in St. Colman’s Old Church of Ireland, Queen Street