The Simple Game - Galway City Library

Irish jump and flat jockey, author & Disney actor Thomas Foley
will launch his book in Galway City Library on Tuesday 4th January 2011 at 6.30pm.

He will be in the country promoting his recently released book, The Simple Game: An Irish Jockey’s Memoir and Walt Disney Studios’ feature film Secretariat.

A Group Exhibition of Woodturning in Ballybane Library

AN EXHIBITION of work by the Galway Chapter of the Irish Woodturners Guild is currently on show in the Ballybane Library.
“Galway has a vibrant group of wood turners. We meet twice a month, hold competitions, demonstrations, and encourage wood crafts,” says George Anderson, secretary of the Galway Chapter of the Irish Woodturners Guild.
“We have been busy for the last year preparing bowls, vases, candle sticks, stools, kitchen items, platters, decorative pieces, and wall hangings. We expect to display about 40 of our most lovely creations at this exhibition.”

The exhibition runs until December 23. For more information see ttp://www.galwaywoodturners.com/

Over the Edge - Galway City Library

Christmas celebrations in Westside Library

Galway Libraries Summer Reading - Spacehop

Galway Libraries ran a very successful Summer Reading Challenge this year. We have been involved in promoting reading during the summer for the last twenty years and with the Reading Agency for the last five.
This year’s theme “Space Hop” was very popular and provided scope for related activities. Many libraries built their very own space rocket. A group of space hoppers from Galway City Library visited the space centre in NUIG.

• 3,265 children participated in the Summer Reading Challenge.
• 2,039 Reading Certificates were presented to children who completed the Challenge by reading at least 6 books and visiting the library.
• This was an increase of 25% on the number who completed the challenge last year.
• 24 Branch Libraries participated
• 70,426 children’s books were issued during July and August, making them the busiest months of the year.

An OECD Report in 2002 concluded that children who read for pleasure do better in school. The Summer Reading Challenge is all about reading for pleasure. We encourage children to explore books, helping them to choose and discover books that appeal to them.
Each Branch Library held a Presentation Party at the end of the summer.
The Mayor Cllr. Jimmy McClearn presented Reading Certificates in seven Branch Libraries (see images above). The parties are a great celebration for the children, their parents and also the Library Staff.

The First Exhibition in Clifden Library's Art Space - 'Thoughts & Views'

'Thoughts & Views' is an exhibition of Etchings and Watercolours by renowned artist Margaret Irwin. Margaret lives in Connemara, Co. Galway on the west coast of Ireland where she has a modern print studio and an etching press. The exhibition opened recently and will run for a month in Clifden Library's brand new Art Space.