Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Tuam Library's Children’s Book Festival Competition Winners


Some of the children who were prize winners in Tuam Library's recent Children’s Book Festival competitions together with some images of the competition entries.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Razzle Dazzle to launch anthology in Loughrea Library

The latest edition of Razzle Dazzle, the Loughrea Creative Writing Group anthology, will be launched this Sunday 1st of December at 7.30pm in Loughrea Library.

Razzle Dazzle will feature 34 contributions, including stories of murder, anger, tender romance, childhood memories of a Christmas in Clare, learning to drive in east Galway, historical fiction, and rural superstitions.
The anthology was edited by Liam Nolan.
There will be light refreshments and all are welcome.

Wednesday, November 20, 2013

Green-Schools Sustainable Travel Poster display in Tuam library


Be green be seen this Winter

Deputy Mayor of Tuam Larry Bane officially launched the Green-Schools Sustainable Travel poster display in Tuam library on November 5th 2013. The five schools participating in the poster display are Belmont N.S., Milltown; Kilconly N.S., Kilconly; St. Colman’s N.S., Cummer; Scoil Naomh Fursa, Claran, Headford and St. Vincent’s N.S., Collarne. The posters depict environmentally-friendly modes of school transport to school, including walking, cycling, car-sharing and public transport as an alternative to the private car on the school run. In promoting sustainable travel to school the Green-Schools Travel programme aims to increase the health and fitness of the school community, improve safety on the journey to school, reduce traffic congestion at the school gates and reduce the school’s carbon footprint. There were 18,000 less students coming to school by car per day in schools participating in the Green-Schools travel programme last year; this is enough people to fill 50 luas trams.
 
Deputy Mayor Larry Bane opened the proceedings by welcoming everyone. He complimented the participants on the high standard of their work. He recounted that as a child he always walked to school in Caherlistrane, and he had lots of fun with his friends along the school route picking berries and nuts. He also praised the wonderful work that is being done by Green-Schools and the Environmental Education Unit in the Councils to promote environmental education.
Caitríona Cunningham, Green-Schools Education Officer, advised participants to be safe and seen when cycling or walking this winter by always wearing reflective clothes or a pair of reflective armbands which will be seen from a distance. You are visible to a driver 500 feet away when you are wearing reflective clothing compared to just 55 feet away when wearing dark colours. Caitríona also recommended that all cyclists and walkers carry a flashlight or flashing safety strobes. If you’re a cyclist, by law you must have a light in front and a red reflector in the back before sunrise and after sunset. 
More posters here

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Rachel English visits Ballybane Library

Bernadette Colgan, Rachael English, Siobhán Arkins, and 
Christin Stegerhoff (student on placement in Ballybane library)
Journalist and author Rachael English visited Ballybane library recently and spoke to a captive audience comprised of members of Ballybane, Westside and Galway city library reading groups. Both reading groups in Ballybane library had read Rachael’s new novel “Going Back”. Rachael is well known as one of the presenters of “Morning Ireland” on Radio 1. 
“Going Back” is  her first novel and her second book is due to be published next year.

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

Europe Direct Soapbox Competition 2013 in Westside Library

Europe Direct Soapbox Competition 2013

‘Citizens are at the heart of the EU’
Celebrating the European Year of Citizens

Have Your Say!
Take part in this year’s Europe Direct Soapbox Competition on the topic ‘Citizens are at the heart of the EU’ and be in with a chance to win an iPad and a trip to Brussels. Regional finalists will then compete in the all Ireland final in Dublin Castle for a first prize of €1,000!

Entry is open to all and contestants can compete in one of two categories:
1) schools category, 18 and under
2) over 18

Contact Ballinasloe Library ballinasloe@galwaylibrary.ie

Regional Finals: Westside Library, Galway 15th November 8pm 

Green Schools workshop in Tuam Library

 Green-Schools in Ireland is operated and co-ordinated by the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce (FEE member for Ireland), in partnership with Local Authorities throughout the country, is supported by the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government, the Department of Transport, Tourism and Sport and is sponsored by Repak and the Wrigley Company Ltd.

Over 3,700 primary, secondary and special schools in Ireland (>92% of all Irish schools) are currently participating part in the programme and over 2785 schools have been awarded the Green Flag. The Irish Green-Schools programme is one of the most successful within the international network. One of the main factors in the success of the Irish Green-Schools programme is the partnership between the Environmental Education Unit of An Taisce and Local Authorities i.e. the financial and time contribution of the Local Authorities to the programme. Most of the Local Authorities (City & County Councils) have an Environmental Education Officer (EEO). These officers provide the invaluable on the ground support to schools undertaking the programme.


Thursday, November 07, 2013

Explore Your Archive

Explore Your Archive
A world without records is a world without memory.

Wednesday, November 06, 2013

Gort Vibes Cinema Club returns to Gort Library

Gort Vibes Cinema Club returns to Gort Library for the winter season this Thursday, 7th of November @ 8pm with ‘No’ directed by Pablo Larraín (Chile 2012).  

The film is based on the unpublished play El Plebiscito, written by Antonio Skármeta. Mexican actor Gael García Bernal plays René, an in-demand advertising man working in Chile in the late 1980s. The historical moment the film captures is when advertising tactics came to be widely used in political campaigns. The campaign in question was the historic 1988 plebiscite of the Chilean citizenry over whether general Augusto Pinochet should have another 8-year term as President.

Digital Archive Launch in Clifden Library


Images from the recent launch of Galways Digital Archive in Clifden Library.  This further extends the accessibility of some wonderful archive collections to a global audience.  It will enable researchers, or simply the curious, to explore some of Galway’s rich archival heritage in the comfort of their own homes.

Tuesday, November 05, 2013

Halloween in Ballybane Library


Pre school children dressed up for Halloween Storytime in Ballybane Library

Friday, October 25, 2013

Launch of Clarenmore Art Calendar in Ballybane Library


On Thursday 17th October Ballybane Library hosted the Launch of the Clarenmore Art Calendar.
This project, now in its fifth year, gives people with intellectual disability the opportunity to be recognised and celebrated as working artists in their community.
As part of the celebrations the Clarenmore Centre service users also hosted a coffee and cupcake morning with all proceeds going to the Galway Hospice.


For details of where to purchase the calendar contact Gaie Stewart at 091 751029 or clarenmore@galway.brothersofcharity.ie<mailto:clarenmore@galway.brothersofcharity.ie>

Thursday, October 17, 2013

Little Gem Puppets in Ballygar Library


93 Children attended a puppet show in Ballygar library as part of Children’s Book Festival. The children from the local pre school, junior and senior infants enjoyed an interactive retelling of the three little pigs. Little Gem Puppets  put their own slant on the story involving things like pizza, keep-fit tips and time to reflect on your favourite foods!
The children were thrilled and a great day was enjoyed by all.

Saturday, October 12, 2013

“Exhibition Awesome” in Westside Library

“Exhibition Awesome”
An interactive digital media exhibition created by young people who are on the Autism Spectrum in association with National Youth Council of Ireland, Galway Autism Partnership and Foroige.

The exhibition will launch Tuesday 15th October, 2013 @ 7:00 Westside Library, Westside, Galway
and will run for the week from Tuesday 15th to Saturday 19th Octobe

 
 

Saturday, October 05, 2013

Children's Book Festival Galway Libraries Events

Tuesday October 8th;
Matthew Noone will be Oranmore library and Ballybane libraries.

Thursday 10th October:
Pat Speight is in Moylough and Loughrea.

Friday 11th October:
Niall de Burca is in Galway City and Westside
Pat Speight is in Dunmore and Tuam.

Tuesday 15th October:
Pat Speight is in Ballybane and Galway City.

Wednesday 16th October:
Little Gem puppets in Ballygar and in Tuam
Pat Speight - Ballinasloe area (5 branches)

Thursday 17th October:
Little Gem puppets is in Westside library.
Pat Speight - Ballinasloe area (5 branches)

Friday 18th October:
Little Gem puppets are in Dunmore and Glenamaddy.
Pat Speight - Ballinasloe area (5 branches)

Tuesday 22nd October:
Wand making workshop with Niamh O' Donovan in Tuam library.
Matthew Noone is in Ballinasloe area (5 branches)

Wednesday 23rd October:
Matthew Noone is in Ballygar, Glenamaddy and Tuam.

The storytellers:

Pat Speight specialises in traditional Irish Tales, Folk Tales from the fireplaces of Ireland. Pat has stories to make you laugh to make you cry and to scare and cheer, stories about Animals and Birds, Kings and Warriors, Saints and Sinners, Witches and Magicians, Pickpockets and Ghosts, Fairies and Mermaids and Mythical, Mystical characters that inspire and captivate the imagination...

Australian story teller Matthew Noone uses African drums to create an ambience as he recounts myths and folk tales from around the world.

Carmel Balfe from Little Gem Puppets will delight young children with her interactive puppet shows. These fun shows end with an opportunity for children to meet the puppets.

Wednesday, October 02, 2013

Lady Gregory Autumn Gathering with Over the Edge in Gort Library

The Over The Edge: Open Readings in Galway City Library are famed for their large, supportive audiences. 

During the past decade many now established writers have taken their first early steps at these legendary readings. The venue for these readings since their inception in 2003 has always been Galway City Library.
This year’s Lady Gregory Autumn Gathering will include a special Over The Edge: Open Reading which will take place at Gort Public Library on Thursday, October 3rd, 7pm.
The Featured Readers are Bernie Crawford, Anthony O’Brien & Marie Cadden. There will as is usual at Over The Edge events be an open-mic after the Featured Readers have finished. Everyone who has a poem or page or two of a story they’d like to try out on an audience is most welcome to come along and participate.

Friday, September 27, 2013

Clifden Library

Some of the children who received Certificates for taking part in Summer Reading Challenge in Clifden Library. Certificates were presented by local author Pat Mullan.
Clifden Library was the venue for the first event of the Clifden Arts Festival. The Contempo Quartet performed to a large enthusiastic audience. Pictured with library staff Paul Keogh and Bernie Jeffries.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Ballinasloe Library/ Europe Direct - Single Market Month


Single Market Month......A Month of online debates in 24 languages.

Between 23rd September and 23rd October 2013,The European Union is organising a month of online debates on the EU Single Market.Discussion will focus on 4 key areas which affect people's daily life:

JOBS {23-25/9]:How to find work,set up a business,or get your qualification recognised in Europe?

SOCIAL RIGHTS {30/9-2/10}:What social protection rights in the Single Market,in terms of pensions,healthcare,public services...?

BANKS {7-9/10}:What more could be done to protect consumer rights,prevent another financial crisis,and make sure that banks invest in the real economy to foster growth?

E-commerce{14-16/10}:How easy is it to sell products online,or buy them and get them delivered across borders as a customer?

The debates will give participants the chance to network with other citizens,businesses and interest organizations in Europe.In addition,they will be able to connect with EU leaders and policy makers.The month will be capped by a closing televised debate on Euronews on the 23/10.


This information was provided by the Europe Direct Centre at Ballinasloe Library. Europe Direct Centres were set up by the European Commission in partnership with the LGMA in order to make information on the Eu accessible to citizens.There are 8 centres in Ireland with 2 satellite centres .europedirect.ie

Saturday, September 21, 2013

Clifden Library - 36th Arts Festival Events


Reading with poets John O’Donnell and Maurice Harmon
23/09/2013 @ 4:30 pm
Clifden Library

John O’Donnell has been published in Ireland, England, America and Australia and has broadcast on RTE and BBC. He won the Hennessy/Sunday Tribune Award for Poetry and has also won The Ireland Funds Prizes for Poetry in Listowel Writers Week. His first collection, Some Other Country, was published in 2002; in the same year he won the Irish National Poetry Prize. His second collection, Icarus Sees His Father Fly was published by Dedalus Press in 2004. A Senior Counsel living…

Reading by poet Ailbhe Ni Ghearbhuigh
24/09/2013 @ 4:30 pm
Clifden Library

Ailbhe Ní Ghearbhuigh was born in Tralee, Co. Kerry in 1984. She graduated from NUI Galway in 2005 with a BA in Irish and French. After her degree, she worked in Bordeaux as a language teacher at the university there. She returned to NUI Galway to do a Masters in Irish where she also taught classes in Irish language and literature. In August 2007, she went to New York to teach Irish with the Fulbright pro

Friday, September 20, 2013

Loughrea Library 'Hurling USA: America discovers an ancient Irish sport.

‘Hurling USA’ TALK in Loughrea Library, Friday Sept 20, 8.30pm

The growth of hurling amongst Americans will be the topic of conversation on Friday Sept 20, 2013 at 8.30pm in Loughrea Library when freelance journalist, pod caster, and former U.S. migrant, Denis O'Brien, talks about hurling’s rise stateside in discussing his book, 'Hurling USA: America discovers an ancient Irish sport.


First published as an eBook in June, 2012 and print that December, ‘Hurling USA’ tells how hurling is spreading to American towns and cities that until recently never knew the sport existed. In his talk the author will examine why the sport is hooking Americans young and old. He will also explore why some clubs are trailblazers yet others are in decline

Wednesday, September 18, 2013

Galway Libraries Culture Night Events 20th of September

Galway City Library
Create the Art you wear
Silk Painting Workshop, with Music and Dance
by Renate Hochmanova
6pm - 8pm
Journeys Creative Writing Group
A Culture Night celebration of Active Ageing. 6pm to-7pm
Childrens stories,songs,and shadow puppets for 5 to 8 year olds 6pm to-7pm

Athenry Library
The Pleasure of Poetry 6:30pm. Join Michael Loftus, Tom Ward & Máire Greaney Daly in Athenry Library as they share with you the pleasure they get from poetry. This literary lot will revisit old favourites and discover new poetic treats.


Leabharlann an Cheathrú Rua
Oíche Liteartha 7.00i.n. – 8.30i.n.
Sleachta as Leabhair Ghaeilge de chuid Údar ón gCeantar. Díriú áird ar an mbailiúchán Leabhair Ghaeilge atá sa Leabharlann. Bunú Club-Leabhar Ghaeilge.

Leabharlann an Spidéal
Galway Stories ag teacht chun an Spidéil! 7.00 i.n.,
Tá Doire Press le léitheoireacht as Galway Stories a chur i láthair – cnuasach scéalta atá bunaithe i gceantair éagsúla ar fud chontae agus chathair na Gaillimhe a scríobh triúr scríbhneoirí atá bunaithe i
nGaillimh -Geraldine Mills, Moya Roddy agus Lisa Frank.