County Sligo Library Service

Tubbercurry Community Library opened its doors to the public on Monday August 18th 2003. Located in the One-Stop-Shop in Humbert Street in Tubbercurry, it is open 44 hours per week, including one late evening and a Saturday.

In the 4 months to the end of year, Tubbercurry Community Library registered 2,200 members and issued 17,420 items. A wide range of activities also took place including exhibitions, presentations and workshops.

Prior to opening the library to the public in August, 2 members of staff together with Sligo County Librarian, Mr. Donal Tinney hosted a Public Consultation Meeting on June 18th. The purpose of the meeting was to afford members of the local community an opportunity to view the library space and to discuss proposed services. The new library also hosted an Art Exhibition comprising over 200 paintings and drawings during the month of June to celebrate the Special Olympics. The exhibition was opened on June 13th by Sligo County Council’s Leas-Cathaoirleach, Cllr Gerry Murray.

Exhibitions 2003

The Fuji Masterpiece Collection Exhibition, which consisted of 20 award winning images, was on display from November 1st to 14th 2003.

An exhibition entitled ’16 Days of Action’ highlighting the issue of Domestic Violence ran between November 25th and December 16th 2003

The 2002 ESB Environmental Awards Photographic Exhibition, which consisted of 60 award winning images, was on display from December 1st-19th 2003.

School Visits

A number of class visits took place during the first 4 months of opening. During these visits, staff members provided a tour of the library, a brief introduction to Internet facilities and assistance in choosing material. There were visits from 17 Primary Schools in the surrounding area and also a number of class visits from pupils attending St. Attracta’s Secondary School. 3 Playschools in the area visited and staff provided Storytime Sessions for the children.

Presentations

On the evening of September 17th, Tubbercurry Community Library facilitated Tubbercurry Women’s Group in holding an open evening. The evening was an opportunity to display the group’s creative work and to welcome potential members.

On November 13th, author and historian, Ultan Cowley provided a two hour presentation on the subject of ‘The Men Who Built Britain’ - The Irish in Britain. Over 100 people were in attendance.

Art Workshops

A six week Art Workshop aimed at children in the 4-6 age group commenced on October 9th 2003. This Art Workshop was facilitated by a local artist and covered such topics as Painting, Printing, Clay Work and Collage.

Children's Book Festival

A number of different activities were organised to celebrate Children’s Book Festival 2003. They included a visit by author Oisin McGann, 2 workshops on an Environmental theme entitled ‘Loose Leaves in the Library, an Art Workshop for children wishing to submit an entry in the ‘Design a Bookmark’ competition, a table quiz and other fun activities to celebrate Lá Gaeilge on October 24th and a Halloween Fancy Dress Competition and Face Painting event.

Schools Paatchwork
Quilt Ceremony

December 10th 2003 saw the unveiling ceremony of the Schools Patchwork Quilt Project. The finished Quilt, comprising 9 sections, was officially launched by the Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Cllr. Joe Cawley in a ceremony which involved the 9 participating local schools, local people and a number of local elected representatives.

Book Club

September saw the inaugural meeting of the Tubbercurry Active Retirement Association Book Club. The Book Club comprises 12 members who meet on the last Thursday of the month to discuss either a specific chosen title, a specific author’s work or recent award winning titles.

Enniscrone Branch Library

The new Branch Library in Enniscrone was officially opened on March 26th 2003.

During May, to celebrate ‘Bealtaine’ - Creativity in Older Age, two separate sessions entitled ‘Introduction to the Internet’ were provided by library staff to members of the public. These sessions were extremely popular and demand for these type of sessions has increased.

Children from 3rd and 4th class from the local primary school in Enniscrone, together with their teacher, Mrs. Mulligan paid a visit to the library on Friday May 23rd. The children were provided with a tour of the library and assisted in choosing material.

Author Oisin McGann visited Enniscrone Branch Library in October as part of Children’s Book Festival 2003. Oisin read from 2 of his recently published titles and demonstrated his skills in illustration for the children present.

County Museum

The sale of Lissadell House in 2003 along with its contents was an historical moment in the history of Sligo. Sligo County Museum was successful in obtaining a selection of important items from the auction, these acquisitions are now on display in the County Museum alongside other items from the Gore Booth collection.

Sligo Branch Library

On Friday January 17th the prize-giving ceremony for Children’s Book Festival 2002 took place. The Cathaoirleach of Sligo County Council, Councillor Padraig Branley, presented the prizes in Sligo Branch Library, Councillor Leo Conlon presented prizes in Ballymote Branch Library while Councillor Joe Cawley did the honours in Tubbercurry Branch Library.

During March 2003, Sligo Branch Library hosted 3 workshops in conjunction with the North-Western Health Board. These workshops were aimed at pre-school leaders and staff involved in working with pre-school children. The topics covered were Creative Play, Story-Time and Reading.