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Sligo County Library EVENTS 2008
SLIGO LIBRARY MISSION STATEMENT
To provide a responsive, accessible and inclusive library service for all our customers, which fosters reading, stimulates the imagination and contributes to lifelong learning and cultural recreation.
NEW LIBRARY WEBSITE
Sligo Library Service has committed itself to launch a newly developed website in 2008. This website will act as a public access portal allowing the general public unrivalled access. Information such as opening hours, contact details, events, activities and images can all be accessed in an easily navigate able format.
The fundamental reason of the library, a source of literary work; fiction, non fiction, reference and local history, will be extensively portrayed on separate pages within the framework of the website. Electronic online access to Encyclopedia Britannica has also become a reality in 2008 with all members able to access this comprehensive resource via the library webpage using their library user i.d.
TEACHER RESOURCE CENTRE AND SCHOOLS SERVICE
Sligo libraries have traditionally provided a schools service to all 68 primary schools in the county. This provision allows extra reading material to supplement the schools own resources. In providing this service, the library van aims to visit each school twice per school year. In 2008 13,849 books were provided to all the primary schools in Sligo.
An exciting new edition to this service became a reality in October 2008 when Sligo Library opened the Library Educational resource centre. This centre, located in the museum next door to Central Library, will allow teachers (on appointment) to access and browse our extensive stock. Juvenile non fiction stock on topics of interest could be one target area selected by various teachers. Once selected the stock can be checked out to the relevant school and delivered in a prompt manner by our library delivery service.
MULTICULTURAL POLICIES
Sligo Libraries are committed to multiculturalism and recognise the importance of the various non Irish national communities in our society as a whole. As such a number of implemented strategies have continued.
A foreign language pamphlet detailing the library service aimed primarily at the Polish community was released in early 2008.
A link from our website to the Sligo Immigrant Organisation website http://sioinfo.com was established in mid 2008 to further portray our services to this section of the community. Our policy of foreign title collection development, both adult and juvenile has continued, increasing stock throughout the year.
Access to electronic resources such as library pressdisplay allows non Irish nationals keep abreast of developments at home by reading a selection of their daily newspapers. This resource portrays over 500 full content digital replicas from 70 countries in 37 languages.
DISABILITY ACCESS
Disability Access continued to be a priority for Sligo County Libraries in 2008. As well as the provision of car parking, disabled toilets, directional signage, software (JAWS and ZOOMTEXT) and induction loops, increased addition of ramps and a stair lift for ease of access became a main priority. This was especially so for the central library and museum building in the hope that all sections of our community feel at ease whilst using this public service.
- Donal Tinney (County Librarian), Dermot Healy (Author and Editor of Force 10), Councillor Sean McManus and Cathaoirleach Councillor Seamus Kilgannon at the launch of Force 10
FORCE 10
Under the editorship of local writer Dermot Healy, Sligo Library published the 13th issue of Force 10 magazine in June 2008. This re launch, held on 20th June in Sligo Central Library,was greeted with huge critical acclaim from both local and national writers and artists. With the usual format of poetry, prose and illustrations this was the largest issue in its history and had a central theme of travel and emigration. Among many writers featured were Niall Williams, Aidan Higgins, Joan McBreen, Leland Bardwell, and Gerald Dawe. Illustrations included work by Sean McSweeney, Conor O’Malley, Nick Miller, John Minihan and Michael Wann.
NIALL WILLIAMS – WRITER IN RESIDENCE
Mr Niall Williams, twice IMPAC nominated author, began his six- month tenure with Sligo county Library in the autumn of 2007. During that time he took to his position with gusto and enthusiasm undertaking several projects.
Two series of writers’workshops, each fully subscribed and under the guidance of Niall were held for three months before and three months after Christmas. He visited numerous schools and other groups to give courses in creative writing as well as meeting “budding writers” informally at his office. Courses in literary history were also conducted for library staff over a period of twelve weeks which gave a valuable insight to library staff into the chronological background of the material with which they work.
A Readers and Writers Festival Weekend in March 2008 was arranged by Sligo Library and the Arts Office to celebrate the tenure of Mr. NiallWilliams as writer-in-residence. Lectures, readings and workshops were held in various venues countywide and were considered by all to be a great success.
Mr.Williams returned briefly to run an intensive one day course in May 2008 for Leaving Certificate students in preparation for their various English exam papers.
Due to his tireless work and popularity, Mr.Williams has returned in October 2008 to begin another eagerly anticipated residency concentrating this year on young readers. He will be in Sligo every Wednesday and Thursday for consultation and can be contacted by email at nwilliams@sligococo.ie
SLIGO LIBRARY BOOK CLUBS AND WRITERS’ GROUPS
To further encourage reader development among our customers, Sligo Libraries have a number of Book Clubs set up in various branches. These clubs promote the pleasures of reading and develop the members appreciation of literature at all levels. Please contact the various Branch Libraries for more details.
Sligo Central Library
Inkwell Writers group, facilitated by Geraldine Finn, meet every Wednesday at 8pm in Museum Building, Stephen Street.
Central Library Book Club meets at 6.45 on last Thursday of every month.
Catacombs Book Club, Sara Book Club and the Maugherow Book Club are also supported by Sligo Central Library.
Tubbercurry Community Library
Leyney writers’group have been established a number of years now with two successful publications behind them. This group continue to meet regularly to share and discuss their latest work, facilitated by Geraldine Finn. This process should hopefully culminate in another publication due early next year 2009.
Bookworms Bookclub meet on the second last Thursday of every month.
Active Retirement Bookclub meet on the last Thursday of every month.
PLUS SURVEY
Results from the Public Library User Survey, taken in September 2007, were released in early 2008. Positive feedback from the comprehensive survey included:
Sligo Central Library is the 8th busiest library in the country. Staff helpfulness was remarked on with an average of 81% of respondents stating it was“very good”. Staff assistance was also viewed as being very comprehensive with an average of 80%of respondents feeling it was“very good”. The library as a secure and safe place to visit also fared well with an average of 77% of respondents feeling it was“very safe”.
Users Sligo Library Service
| Average age: |
Central Library |
Tubbercurry Library |
|---|
| 14 or under |
1.2% |
- |
| 15 to 19 |
3.9% |
1.6% |
| 20 to 24 |
6.1% |
7.6% |
| 25 to 34 |
14.3% |
21.7% |
| 35 to 44 |
24.1% |
21.7% |
| 45 to 54 |
20.4% |
24.5% |
| 55 to 64 |
14.5% |
10.9% |
| 65 to 74 |
11.7% |
9.2% |
| 75 or over |
3.7% |
2.7% |
| number of cases |
489 |
184 |
| % response rate |
97.4% |
96.3% |
Sligo County Library Issues January - September 2008
| Library |
Section |
1st Quarter
(Jan -Mar 08) |
2nd Quarter
(Apr - June 08) |
3rd Quarter
(Jul - Sept 08) |
|---|
| Central Library |
Adult |
23,502 |
22,299 |
24,658 |
| Central Library |
Juvenile |
12,430 |
12,189 |
13,352 |
| Tubbercurry |
Adult |
4,708 |
4,422 |
5,402 |
| Tubbercurry |
Juvenile |
3,848 |
3,574 |
4,162 |
| Reference Library |
Adult |
1,195 |
1,258 |
1,335 |
| Reference Library |
Juvenile |
n/a |
n/a |
n/a |
| Ballymote |
Adult |
1,699 |
1,389 |
1,411 |
| Ballymote |
Juvenile |
1,238 |
1,143 |
1,217 |
| Enniscrone |
Adult |
1,642 |
1,688 |
1,740 |
| Enniscrone |
Juvenile |
1,113 |
960 |
1,419 |
Borrow books 2008: statistics January to September 185 received, 214 sent
JANUARY 2008
FEBRUARY 2008
Sligo Central Library
Tubbercurry Community Library
MARCH 2008
Sligo Central Library
2nd March - National TreeWeek - distribution of 100 sapling trees to customers - Native stock including Oak, Ash, Birch, Rowan and Alder. 4th March - Easter Crafts Activity with the Meehan sisters 5th March - Storyteller Rab Fulton. Tales of legend and folklore 6th March -World Book Day - Globe house international stories and launch of book “Tales from the Globe” 7th March - Launch of Writers Festival Weekend 2008 13th March – Seachtain na Gaeilge - Irish traditional Music session
Tubbercurry Community Library
Seachtain na Gaeilge 3rd – 17th March - Sean Nos Dancing with Cos Cos Dance Group 6th March -World book Day - Author visit with Michael Mullen 7th March - Poetry Reading - Julie O’Callaghan 8th March - Author reading - Brennan Briggs
APRIL 2008
Sligo Central Library
Tubbercurry Community Library
MAY 2008
Sligo Central Library
May 1st to 31st - Bealtaine Festival - Internet Classes with Benny Morgan 15th May - Ulster Scots Heritage events; Storytelling and Music 16th May - Archaeology Book Launch. Locally-based Finnish archaeologist Tatyjana Kytmamnow launched her latest work “Portal Tombs in the Landscape – the Chronology, Morphology and Landscape Settings of the Portal Tombs of Ireland, Wales and Cornwall”
Tubbercurry Community Library
7th May, 14th, 21st and 28th May – internet tuition classes with Benny Morgan 22nd May - Anti Litter Environment workshops with storyteller Mary Lorraine McHugh
JUNE 2008
Sligo Central Library
JULY 2008
Sligo Central Library
1st to 9th July - Children's summer camp 1st July - LizWeir, storytelling 2nd July - Thompson’s Magic Show and Fancy Dress 3rd July - Glen Boyne Rap Classes and "Your Man Puppets" Puppet Show 4th July - Meehan sisters, Crafts Activity 8th July - Joe McGowan, storyteller. Tales of folklore and customs 9th July - Rosaleen Holland, Crafts Activity
AUGUST 2008
Sligo Central Library
Tubbercurry Community Library
SEPTEMBER 2008
Sligo Central Library
Tubbercurry Community Library
OCTOBER 2008
Sligo Central library
Children’s Book Festival 2008 October 2nd - "Irish History Live" interactive show with Michael Moylan October 7th - "book festival crafts activity" at 10am and 11.30 with the Meehan’s October 10th – Art Class and workshop at 11.45 and 1pm with Ailish O’Donnell October 22nd – National Print Museum workshops at 10am, 12 noon and 2pm October 29th – Halloween crafts activity at 11am and 12.30pm with the Meehan’s
Tubbercurry Community Library
Children’s book festival 2008 15th October – Author visit – Keith Charters 16th October – Author visit – Liam Farrell 24th October – Author Visit – John Quinn 30th October - Halloween crafts activity with the Meehan’s
NOVEMBER 2008
Sligo Central Library
National ScienceWeek: November 11th to 17th. November 17th – Calry scout library visit to facilitate“book reader”badge November 21st – “Science is magic”interactive show with Michael Moylan
Tubbercurry Community Library
National Science week: November 10th to 14th –Workshops with Sustainable Energy Ireland. 18 schools involved, three sessions per day over a five day period. November 11th at 8pm – LeyneyWriters Group“open mike”evening November 29th at 11am – Internet tuition classes with Benny Morgan
DECEMBER 2008
Sligo Central Library
December 4th and 11th at 6.30 – Sustainable energy lectures with Dr. John Hession December 6th at 11am – Internet tuition classes with Benny Morgan December 5th –Volunteer centre stand to promote various volunteer activities in the County December 1st to 16th – Exhibition highlighting the campaign “16 days of action against Violence against Women” December 11th at 10.30 and 12 noon – Christmas card making activity with Rosaleen Holland December 17th at 10.30 – Toddler preschool stories and songs
  
- A series of snapshots portraying the wide variety of events/activities that are held by Sligo County Libraries
- Mr Niall Williams, Author and writer - in - residence, Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins, Pauline Brennan, Donal Tinney, Bernadette Ward and Ultan McNasser (Sligo Library staff) at the official start of the second residency of the writer - in - residence
- Donal Tinney (County Librarian), Dermot Healy (Author and editor of Force 10), Author Mary Branley, Councillor Declan Bree and Cathaoirleach Councillor Seamus Kilgannon at the launch of Force 10.
- Donal Tinney (County Librarian) Angela McGurrin (Museum Attendant) Mayor Cllr Veronica Cawley and Library member Eamonn Carney inspect the new and improved disability access provisions at Sligo Central Library
- Shane Reynolds, Alan Roberts and Seamus Hernon playing Irish traditional music as part of the Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations
- Áine Ní Fhuarain and Niamh McKenna, winners of their respective categories for the 2008 “design a t-shirt” competition, being presented with their prizes in Sligo Central Library by Ultan McNasser, Executive Librarian
- Malachy Gillen and Brenda Cawley (Sligo Library Staff) receiving a donation of foreign language books from Piotr Rachwald and Malgorzata Kmera (Sligo Immigrant Organisation)
Download the
Sligo County Library Events 2008 (pdf, 1,230 kbs)
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