Celebrating Bealtaine in Dunmore Library

An art exhibition opened on 13th of May in Dunmore Library. Celebrating the Bealtaine Festival a group of local lady artists are exhibiting their work which will be in the library until May 25th. The lady captain of our local golf club Mrs Cathy Silke is doing the honours of opening the event preceded by a cheese and wine reception. Everyone welcome

Dunmore Library, Enterprise Centre, Tel : +353 (0)93 38923

International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award

The closing date for receipt of nominations has been extended to Thursday 25th May. Hopefully this will give you time to get some nominations in to us. I appreciate that you have many demands on your time but know how supportive you are of this award.

The novel you submitted last year, Queen Cocaine / Amat Nuria, would be eligible this year. Perhaps you would like to nominate it?


If any of the libraries in Galway want to nominate a book for the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, then they might e-mail the title to kshaughn@galwaycoco.ie

To summarize, you may nominate up to 3 novels which were first published in English in 2005. If originally written in a language other than English the original must have been published between 2001 and 2005 and the translation published in 2005.

We look forward to receiving your nominations from Galway.

“Everyone should have a library to love…………..”

Galway Public Libraries for BOOKS and IDEAS

Readers may be interested in the following books which have been added to stock at Galway City Library

Silent Day In Tangier, by Tahar Ben Jelloun. Quartet
In a run-down house in Tangier, an old man waits to die. His regrets are not for a life unlived but for happiness glimpsed, taken for granted or lost, opportunities experienced and betrayed. Jelloun combines the gifts of the traditional Arab storyteller--that ability to play fantastic variations upon the simplest of themes--with remarkable philosophical insight.

The Poetry Home Repair Manual: Practical Advice For Beginning Poets, by Ted Kooser. Bison Books
A no-nonsense book, which "advocates for poems that can be read and understood without professional interpretation." To that end, he offers plenty of examples from contemporary poets, explaining uses of rhyme, meter, imagery and other fundamentals without resorting to too much technical language. The last chapter stresses time as the greatest help in editing: "leave your poem alone until it looks as if someone else might have written it."

Penderwicks: A Summer Tale of Four Sisters, Two Rabbits, and a Very Interesting Boy, Jeanne Birdsall. Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Adults who have been longing to find books for children that remind them of their own childhood favourites need look no further. What this comforting family tale offers are four marvellously appealing sisters, and true childhood behaviour (disobeying, running away, a first crush). Problems are solved and lessons learned in this wonderful, humorous story that features characters whom readers will immediately love, as well as a superb writing style. For ages 8-12.

Europe Day in Ballinasloe Library

To-day,9th May we are celebrating EUROPE DAY here at Ballinasloe Library ,which is also a EUROPE DIRECT RELAY.

In order to celebrate this anniversary, we are focusing on a celebration of European authors and we are doing this by having an Exhibiton of Books in translation by these authors in three different areas of the library. By doing this,we hope to tie in the information that we provide on Europe on a daily basis with European arts{literature and all other forms of the arts} in such a way that it will educate,inform and bring the people who come in here closer to Europe as it is to-day. Margot Wallstrom, Vice-President of the European Commission, wants the ordinary person to learn about Europe through simple language...she realizes that the EU, which was a mystery and something very far away for most of us is now being brought closer to everyone, with information available literally, on demand.
We appreciate the co-operation and help received from Pat McMahon, County Librarian and the staff at both Galway City and Headquarters with this project to-day.

"That libraries are unique....windows into other cultures and ways of life,and that libraries provide services to those people who...seek new content for their lives,and who are thereby actively helping to build a new citizens Europe."

From:The Rynnen report on the "Role of libraries in the Modern World",adopted almost unanimously on 23rd October 1998 by the European Parliament.

Anne Frank Exhibition at Westside Library

An Anne Frank Exhibition takes place at Westside Library from Tuesday 16th May to Friday 9th June. The Official opening is by Deputy Mayor of Galway City, Councillor Colette Connolly on Thursday evening 18th May at 6.30 p.m.

What is it?

Anne Frank: A history for today. A travelling exhibition designed by the curators of the Anne Frank Huis in Amsterdam. The exhibition challenges us to think of tolerance, human rights and democracy.

How?

By telling Anne Frank’s story and that of her family and by showing the history of the Holocaust through the testimony of other contemporary witnesses. The exhibition encourages the visitor to think about then and now - to see parallels and differences in events. This exhibition is visiting Ireland from January to June 2006. It has already been hosted by Pearse Street Library and Ballyfermot Branch Library in Dublin. It then travelled to Waterford and from there to Limerick and finally on to Galway.
The exhibition will be open during normal library opening hours and also on Mondays and groups wishing to book should contact Westside Library at 091-520616. Booking is essential for groups.
Volunteer guides are required to help with showing groups around the exhibition and all necessary training will be given on Monday 15th May in Westside Library. So if you wish to volunteer a couple of hours per week please contact Cora Gunter at Westside Library 091-520616.

Format

The exhibition consists of a number of panels all arranged chronologically. The life history of Anne Frank is the thread that runs through the entire exhibition. The family’s story reflects world events during and after the Nazi regime. The exhibition juxtaposes photographs of the Frank family with those of historical events of the time and shows how persecuted people such as the Franks were affected by political decisions and by the actions of individuals. This history is shown in sections. In each of these sections a theme which still has relevance for us today is discussed in depth.
An essential component of the exhibition is the short film about Anne Frank and her family called “The short life of Anne Frank”. It is informative and moving. It takes 25 minutes to watch this film. Groups should aim to spend about one and a half hours viewing the exhibition and film.

The exhibition is brought to Ireland by The Holocaust Educational Trust of Ireland in association with the National Action Plan against Racism and co-sponsored by Cognotec.

An Leabhar Mór/Great Book of Gaelic Exhibition

An Leabhar Mór/Great Book of Gaelic brings together the work of more than two hundred poets, visual artists and calligraphers from Scotland and Ireland to create a major contemporary artwork in the form of a visual anthology.

The exhibition - part of the Cúirt International Festival of Literature - was launched in the Galway City Branch on Friday 21st April at 6.30 p.m. The exhibition is open until the 5th May.

The Exhibition is sponsored by Colmcille, the organisation charged with promoting the use of Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages and raising awareness of the shared Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage of Ireland - north and south - and Scotland.

[Graphic file Christy Ring, by Robert Ballagh, illustration to Seán Ó Tuama’s poem “Christy Ring”].

Headford Library Opening

Councillor Pat Hynes, Mayor of the County of Galway, with Ms. Edel Talbot, Librarian, Headford Library and Mrs. Nora Fitzgerald, former Librarian, Headford Library at the opening of the new branch library in Headford.

A section of the attendance at the opening of the new branch library in Headford.

Councillor Pat Hynes, Mayor of the County of Galway, cutting the tape for the opening of the new branch library in Headford.

“Everyone should have a library to love…………..”

Galway Public Libraries for BOOKS and IDEAS.

Readers may be interested in the following books which have been added to stock at Galway City Library

The Collected Poems of Kenneth Koch, by Kenneth Koch, Alfred A. Knopf, 2005
Includes "The Art of Poetry," in which Koch provides a list of questions for the poet to pose before deciding if a poem is ready to be "released," beginning with "Is it astonishing?" Keeping this in mind as one reads Koch's works, and sensing all the hard work, soul searching, and playfulness involved in creating his nimble, uplifting, and wise poems, one decides that they are, indeed, astonishing.

Wise Men and Their Tales, by Elie Wiesel, Schocken Books, 2003
A master teacher gives us his fascinating insights into a wide range of biblical events, then asks questions about the personalities that people them. Why did Lot's wife look back? His explorations, drawing on the collective wisdom of prophets, rabbis, and scholars from the earliest days to the present, are endlessly illuminating. Wiesel is a fine storyteller, and the general reader will be captivated.

Questions of Life: An Invitation to Philosophy, by Fernando Savater, Polity, 2002
The awareness of death is what turns life into a very serious business for each of us, into something mysterious and awesome. How am I going to answer the questions that life suggests to me. In his discussion of concepts such as beauty, time and language, Savater frequently refers to earlier philosophers in a way that brings their ideas to life and shows their enduring relevance. An elegant and straightforward book.

Inishbofin Arts Festival

Poetry Reading at Inishbofin Library.
5.00pm Saturday May 13th 2006

Eugene O’Connell, poet and editor, from Kiskeam in North West Cork will read from his own work, and will read from translations which he has made from the work of the Latvian and Hungarian poets. Eugene has released two collections, Chapters of Little Times and One Clear Call.

In order to provide opportunities for participation, after the reading there will be an Open Mic event. At this any visiting poets, aspiring poets, writers, and other performers are welcome to join us to share their work or art.

Eugene O’Connell is currently compiling a new anthology of Irish poetry to be published as souvenir of Cork City of Culture 2005.

Easter in Inishbofin

Local children at an Easter event in Inishbofin Branch Library

Opening of new library in Headford

Councillor Pat Hynes, Mayor of the County of Galway, officially opened the new Headford Library, on Wednesday 5th April 2006. In the course of his opening address the Mayor thanked the local area councillors, Councillor Fidelma Healy-Eames, Councillor Jarlath McDonagh, Councillor Jim Cuddy, and especially Councillor Mary Hoade for ensuring the provision of the library in Headford.

Galway County Council first established a library service in Headford back in the 1950s. The Mayor pointed out that for many years the service was in the capable hands of Nora Fitzgerald. Nora was librarian until 1988, and many people were delighted to welcome Nora to the opening reception. All of the library staff have very fond memories of Nora. She was presented with a bouquet of flowers by Maureen Moran, Executive Librarian with the County Library Service.

The Mayor welcomed the new Headford librarian Edel Talbot. “Edel, through her hard work and imagination, has already succeeded in making the library an important part of all that goes on here in Headford,” said the Mayor. To date over 490 children and over 300 adults have registered as members of the library.

The Mayor had a special word of thanks for the Parish Priest, Fr James O’Grady, who has given the project every support.
And he thanked the Parish Hall Committee for their hard work and imagination work in bringing the project to fruition
The Mayor had a special word for John Newell and his team. “More than anyone else, John Newell led the way in providing the beautiful space in which the library is housed today. John deserves all our congratulations,” said the Mayor.

Preparation for Driver Theory Test

This four week programme is currently being run by the VEC in conjunction with Inishbofin Branch Library. The aim of this course is to help people prepare for the Driver Theory Test by becoming familiar with the books and C.D.s used in the preparation period. The tutor, Dee Negus, will cover form filling, preparation skills and test format during the coming weeks. This is the second year that this course has been offered on Inishbofin and has been very well attended on both occasions.

April is Poetry Month

The concept of April as Poetry Month - a celebration of poetry - was established by the Academy of American Poets.
The idea is to increase the attention paid to the art of poetry, to living poets, to poetic heritage, and to poetry books.
In order to introduce more people to the pleasures of reading poetry, the public are invited to take home a free poem each day from the poetry stand in Galway City Library.
The idea is based on the initiative by the distinguished publishers Alfred A. Knopf who are posting a free poem each day via e-mail. You may subscribe to the service by logging on to: http://www.randomhouse.com/knopf/poetry/poemaday
Visit Galway City Library for the printed versions of the poem-a-day and browse among our selection of several hundred poetry books.
And remember that April is very much poetry month in Galway with the Cúirt Festival taking place between April 25th and April 30th.
And April 23rd is World Book Day.

April is Poetry Month

The concept of April as Poetry Month - a celebration of poetry - was established by the Academy of American Poets.
The idea is to increase the attention paid to the art of poetry, to living poets, to poetic heritage, and to poetry books.
In order to introduce more people to the pleasures of reading poetry, the public are invited to take home a free poem each day from the poetry stand in Galway City Library.
The idea is based on the initiative by the distinguished publishers Alfred A. Knopf who are posting a free poem each day via e-mail. You may subscribe to the service by logging on to: http://www.randomhouse.com/knopf/poetry/poemaday
Visit Galway City Library for the printed versions of the poem-a-day and browse among our selection of several hundred poetry books.
And remember that April is very much poetry month in Galway with the Cúirt Festival taking place between April 25th and April 30th.
And April 23rd is World Book Day.

Eyrecourt Library

The Public Library in Eyrecourt is housed former the St. John the Baptist School House and the building is shared with the Eyrecourt Select Vestry.

Under the direction of the Librarian, Ms Laura Flynn, the library gives a real service – it is a space which is alive, anyone can come in, and find the world, both through the book stock and the internet, and you may photocopy anything and take it home with you.

The Library is available for exhibitions and lectures.

Each year the library runs a Children's Book Week. Last year (October 2005) the programme included a visit by the storyteller Danielle Allison who gave an excellent performance and was very popular with the children.

The library host regular visits by the teachers and classes of Eyrecourt National School.

The library houses a collection of local history material relating to the Eyrecourt and Clonfert area.

The library is open every Friday and Saturday between 11.00am and 1.00pm, and every Tuesday and Thursday between 2.00pm and 4.00pm. The library is open late each Wednesday from 6.00pm to 6.00pm.

For further information you may contact Eyrecourt Library by e-mail: eyrecourtlibrary@eircom.net
The telephone number of the library is: (090) 9675056

Our photograph shows two students of librarianship, Heike Albrecht from Germany and Julie-Claude Alibert from France, during a visit to Eyrecourt Library.

New poetry from Cúirt visitors at Galway City Library

GALWAY PUBLIC LIBRARIES - FOR BOOKS AND IDEAS
Readers may be interested in the following books which have been added to stock at Galway City Library

The Poetry of Arab Women: a contemporary anthology, edited by Nathalie Handal
“She doesn't understand what it means to be "guilty." She waits at the prison's door until she sees him to tell him "Take care," as she used to remind him when he was going to school.” Dunya Mikhail
Eighty-two Arab women poets from all over the world are gathered in this highly charged, stunning anthology. Includes work by Dunya Mikhail (left) who reads at Cúirt on Thurs April 27th. Born in Baghdad in 1965, Mikhail was a witness to two wars: the Iraq-Iran war and the Gulf War. Her work rings dark truths about the devastation of such events.

By the Sea, by Abdulrazak Gurnah
Saleh Omar arrives in England from Zanzibar as a refugee. Gurnah indicates the destructiveness of pride and the divergence of memory and truth. His portrayal of everyday immigrant life and quiet Muslim piety makes this a gentle, enjoyable read. Gurnah treats his characters like old friends, accepting their faults to see the dignity beneath. Don't miss this man when he comes to Cúirt on April 26th.

We Need to Talk About Kevin, by Lionel Shriver
Kevin, the son of a smart, sceptical New Yorker, massacres seven of his schoolmates and a teacher at his upstate New York high school. Shriver, a gifted journalist as well as the author of seven novels, brings to the story a keen understanding of the intricacies of marital and parental relationships as well as a narrative pace that is both compelling and thoughtful. Shriver reads at Cúirt on April 27th.

For the magic of books and the joy of reading, we invite you to visit your local Galway Public Library

Work on extension to Clifden Library has commenced

Construction on an extension to Clifden Library commenced on January 3rd 2006. The extension will provide a space for cultural and arts activities and events. The project is being funded by The Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism.

During the final stage of construction it will be necessary to close Clifden Library to the public.

During the library closure period, Galway County Council will take the opportunity to carry out some refurbishment to the library itself.

The Library is expected to be closed for a period of five weeks commencing in early May.

There has been a public library in Clifden for over 50 years. The existing building opened to the public in 1979. As well as providing books and reading materials for adults and children, the library has over the last twenty year period also functioned as a meeting place for cultural and artistic activities.

When the Library and Art Space opens in early summer it is expected that the public will have access to a much improved facility.

Headford Library to be officially opened on Wednesday, 5th of April

On Wednesday 5th April 2006 at 6.30pm, Councillor Pat Hynes, Mayor of the County of Galway, will officially open the new Headford Branch Library. The new library is situated in St. Fursa’s Parish Hall, and the library shares the parish building with a theatre and other community facilities.

The support which Fr James O’Grady, Parish Priest and his committee have given to this project is very much appreciated by Galway County Council.

The County Library Service would also like to acknowledge the excellent work done by John Newell and his team. More than anyone else, John Newell led the way in providing the beautiful space in which the library is housed today. John deserves all our congratulations.

Edel Talbot is our librarian in Headford. Since Edel took up duty 493 children and 311 adults have registered as members of the Headford Library.

Europe Direct Relay Point launched in Ballinasloe Library

On Thursday March 30th, Councillor Pat Hynes, Mayor of the County of Galway, officially launched the Europe Direct Relay Point in Ballinasloe Library.

The special guests for the occasion, Johanna Finnerty, Head of Public Information Centre, in the European Commission Office in Dublin, and Susan O’Toole from An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, were welcomed to the Library by Mary Dillon, Librarian, Ballinasloe Library.

Mary Dillon and her staff delivered an event which was full of interest, was enjoyable to all who came, had momentum, and was presented in a highly informative and colourful way.

The Europe Direct service provides a whole range of free publications, brochures and guides relating the EU, and provides access to Europe by Satellite and to various EU websites.

The Mayor, in welcoming the initiative, said it would enable the EU to communicate with its citizens in a way which is understandable and relevant to the man on the street.
He quoted Margot Wallström, Vice President of the European Commission, who pointed out 450 million Europeans now and “we are magnificently diverse. We share a marvelous Europe-wide cultural heritage - from the ancient Greek and Roman world, the Middle Ages, the Renaissance and the Enlightenment down to the present.”

The Ballinasloe Public Library wishes to provide that sense of Europe, using both the EU information and its own library books, CDs and materials in various formats.

Pictured above are left to right - Johanna Finnerty, Head of Public Information Centre, in the European Commission Office in Dublin, Pat McMahon Galway County Librarian, Kevin Kelly, Director of Services, Galway County Council, and, seated, Councillor Pat Hynes, Mayor of the County of the County of Galway.

John McGahern, writer, born November 12 1934; died March 30 2006

John McGahern, who has died from cancer, aged 71, was arguably the most important Irish novelist since Samuel Beckett. Although he had many rivals in the field of short story writing (most notably William Trevor), his novels The Barracks (1963), The Dark (1965), The Leavetaking (1974), The Pornographer (1979), Amongst Women (1990), shortlisted for the Booker prize, and That They May Face the Rising Sun (2002) constitute a portrait of a society moving from insular repression (in the earlier writing) towards freedom and self-confidence (in the latter).
McGahern's second novel, "The Dark," a coming-of-age story published in 1965, was banned in Ireland and denounced from the pulpit as pornographic. McGahern was forced to quit his teaching job in a Catholic school and left Ireland. He resettled near his childhood home five years later and wrote his two most celebrated works, "Amongst Women" - nominated for Britain's Booker Prize in 1990 - and "That They May Face the Rising Sun" in 2002.
He received many honours, including the Irish-American Foundation award, the Irish Times/Aer Lingus fiction prize and an honorary doctorate from Trinity College Dublin, and was a Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres. In 2003, he donated his archive, including the manuscript of an unpublished novel, to University College Galway.
McGahern died in a Dublin hospital.