Sligo County Library

IMPROVED SERVICES AND DISABILITY ACCESS

Improved Services and Disability Access continued to be a priority for Sligo County Libraries in 2009.

As well as the provision of disabled toilets, directional signage, software (JAWS and ZOOMTEXT), induction loops and an increased addition of ramps for ease of access we also provided the following;

• Stair Lift fitted in Sligo Central Library.
• Automatic Doors fitted in Local History Library, Bridge Street and Enniscrone Branch Library.
• Additional Braille Signage fitted in selected Branch Libraries

The Museum Building on Stephen Street was also refurbished and re-fitted to allow Library Staff relocate upstairs, increasing staff flexibility, whilst also providing a new meeting room to the rear of the building. All of these changes were undertaken in the hope that all sections of our community feel at home and welcomed whilst using this public service.

A new Library Van was also purchased in 2009 and fitted with a wheelchair lift as well as improved side steps for ease of access to and from the vehicle. This will further add to the libraries ability to reach the requirements of all the community to whom we serve.

Preliminary work has begun in relation to the proposed new Ballymote Community Library. A suitable location on Teeling Street, Ballymote town, has been acquired and work is underway in scheduling contracts to fit out the building. Once completed this fully equipped and accessible Community Library will be among the best in the country providing an extensive up-to-date Book and Audio/DVD collection, Internet and Wifi access, Local History Material and Meeting rooms.

 
- Wheelchair access ramp in place at Sligo Central Library. 

WRITER-IN-RESIDENCE 2009

Mr Niall Williams, twice IMPAC nominated author, returned for his second tenure with Sligo county Library in October of 2008, continuing until late spring 2009. Writers’ workshop’s fully subscribed and under the guidance of Niall was held for all interested parties. 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. He also undertook two main projects;

• the launch of the Cathach Electronic Journal
• The Secondary Schools Prose and Poetry Competition

THE CATHACH

The Cathach is an online literary magazine, published by Sligo County Libraries, with the aim of showcasing quality new writing in poetry, fiction, and non-fiction. While honouring the literary traditions of Sligo and the Northwest, The Cathach features work from both new and established writers in Sligo and throughout Ireland. At a time when many smaller literary magazines are facing difficulties, it aims to provide a vital outlet for the best contemporary writing, making exciting new work freely available to a vast online readership around the world. This journal is part of the continuing support for Literature of Sligo County Library, without which it would not exist.

The name The Cathach derives from ‘The Battle of the Book’. Colmcille, during a visit to Abbot Finian’s monastery copied a very beautiful psalter. Finian claimed the copy as well as the book, but Colmcille refused. The dispute was brought to Dermott, High King of Ireland who decided in favour of Finian with the words: ‘To every cow its calf and to every book its copy.’ In consequence, in 561 AD, the High King and Colmcille engaged in battle on the slopes of Benbulben. Aided by an angel, Colmcille won. Thousands of men were slain and the King forced to concede the copy of the psalter to Colmcille. But immediately afterward, as a penance, Colmcille left Ireland and went into selfimposed exile in Scotland, hoping to convert as many people as he had caused to die.

As a further, twenty-first century chapter in this story perhaps, all of the authors included in The Cathach have given their work freely. It has been our aim to present it here in a way that complements that generosity, and with the hope that it will lead you to further reading of their work.

List of Contributors (in order of appearance): Nuala Ni Dhomhnaill, Dermot Healy, Mark Roper, Libby Hart, Joan McBreen, Carlo Gebler, Dermot Bolger, Peggy Gallagher, Nick Miller, C.M Millen, John Jennett, Elizabeth Fox, Patricia Byrne, Manchan Magan, Jimmy Murphy, Kerrie O'Brien, Martin McCabe, Brian Leyden, Andrew King, Michael Farry, Oritsegbemi Emmanuel Jakpa, Jaki McCarrick, Eileen Sheehan 

SCHOOLS WRITING COMPETITION

Following the success of last year's inaugural Schools Creative Writing Competition, Sligo County Library, in partnership with The Sligo Champion, ran the competition for a second year, expanding it to include Senior and Junior Poetry as well as Fiction. All schools were contacted and entries were invited from second level students throughout the county. As with last year, there was a tremendous response from both male and female writers in all class ranges, and the standard this year was even higher. All of the work was submitted anonymously to three judges, and the resulting winners of the three categories were chosen. The Prizegiving Ceremony took place in Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street, Sligo on 28th April 2009. Author Niall Williams, who is also Sligo Libraries "Writer-in-Residence”, was present on the day for the prizegiving as were Mayor Councillor Veronica Cawley and Cathaoirleach Councillor Jude Devins.

 
- School writing competition at Sligo County Library 

JUNIOR POETRY

1. I Didn't Understand, Lisa Coggins, Mercy College,Sligo

2. Life Path, Niamh O Donnell, Mercy College

3. Climate Change, Ellen Prendergast, Sligo Grammar School

JUNIOR FICTION

1. Servant Of God, Amy Kelly, Mercy College,Sligo

2. Heroes Sinead Reilly, Mercy College, Sligo

3. The Night Out, Helena O Dea, Mercy College, Sligo

SENIOR POETRY

1. Gruaige, Hilary Bowen-Walsh, Sligo Grammar School

2. Reminiscent, Hilary Bowen-Walsh, Sligo Grammar School

3. Emotional Vacuum, Julie Patterson, Sligo Grammar School

SENIOR FICTION

1. The Deleted Scenes, Adrienne Mcmanus, Sligo Grammar School

2. Case Closed, Liam O Flaherty, Sligo Grammar School

3. The Cave, Eamonn Bell, Sligo Grammar School

FRONTLINE

“Frontline Training” is a course taken by library staff which has shaped the practice of reader development; changing the way public libraries in Ireland and beyond engage with their customers. The Frontline course is designed to embed the reader-centered approach in the everyday thinking of staff who work directly with books and readers in public libraries. The course content, approach and technology have been shaped by a wide range of feedback from the people who use it, both as individuals and through consultative groups.

The course was first developed with English public libraries in 2005 in partnership with the Society of Chief Librarians as part of the Branching Out initiative funded by the Arts Council of England. Frontline is currently being used by 102 English library services, as well as library services in Scotland and Australia. It is used by every public library service in Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.

Within Sligo Library Service, Senior Executive Librarian Ms. Pauline Brennan was first to undertake this course and once finished, became facilitator for Senior Library Assistants Ms Brenda Cawley and Eimear Sullivan and Library Assistant Ms Michelle Curley. All four staff members were awarded their certificates on Monday 19th October during a Staff Training Day in Sligo Central Library by County Librarian Mr Donal Tinney and praised for the high level of work that they had undertaken.

Sligo Library Service is continuing to roll out this course to other staff members to further aid them in their duties to provide the highest service possible for the public to whom we serve.

BISTO SHADOWING GROUP

This year in Sligo Central Library we participated in The Children’s Books Ireland Bisto Shadowing Scheme for young readers, which follows - or ‘shadows’ – the judging of the short listed books. This programme is designed to encourage classroom or library groups to read, analyze and debate the titles short-listed for the Bisto Book of the Year award. It introduces the children to a broader range of reading materials than might otherwise be the case.

Children from six schools were invited to be involved in this experience. The shortlist of books was announced on March 11th. The children were encouraged to read the ten books on the shortlist which they admirably achieved. The weekly meetings to discuss the books were a lively and entertaining affair. All of the children were enthusiastic participants with specific likes and dislikes and were well able to voice these. The closing date to vote for our favourite book was May 8th. The book which achieved the biggest vote was Airman by Eoin Colfer with Kate Thompson’s Creature of the Night coming in at a very close second.

The eagerness and enthusiasm of the children who participated was very contagious. The library staff involved really enjoyed the whole experience and plan to do it again next year.

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 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.
• The Sligo Immigrant Organisation, in 2009, ran two photography competitions entitled “Our Sligo” and “Sligo – history, culture and fun”. The entries were displayed for public view in Sligo Central Library thus raising the profile of both community services and the working relationship between them. 

WRITING GROUPS AND BOOK CLUBS

To further encourage and promote reader development among our customers, Sligo Library Service has a number of Book Clubs and Writers groups set up in various branches. These groups promote the pleasure 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 meet on Wednesday nights at 8pm. Central Library Book Club meets at 6.45pm on last Thursday of every month. Catacombs Book club, Sara Book Club and Philip McCabe the Maugherow book club are also supported by Sligo Central Library. 

The Inkwell Writers Group, based in Sligo Central Library held a 'Live Mike' in the Yeats Building, Hyde Bridge, Sligo on Wednesday 22nd April 2009. The night consisted of readings by members of the group and other invited guests, including published writers. All at attendance remarked on what was an entertaining, enjoyable evening. This group hopes to have their first publication of collected works released in early spring 2010.

TUBBERCURRY COMMUNITY LIBRARY

Leyney writers’ group have been established a number of years now with two successful publications behind them. This group continues to meet regularly to share and discuss their latest works. 

Bookworms Book club meets on the second last Thursday of every month. Active retirement Bookclub meet on the last Thursday of every month.

The fourth annual Tubbercurry Literary Festival was held on Tuesday 21st July 2009 at 7.30pm in Teach Laighne, Humbert Street, Tubbercurry. Tubbercurry has a long established literary tradition and this has been reinforced by the establishment of the Leyney Writers. This group decided to organise the first literary festival in 2006 and this was the fourth such event. The culmination of the evening was the announcement of the winners of the three competitions organised which were (a) a short story competition (b) a free verse poetry competition and (c) a rhyming poetry competition. To celebrate the town’s literary tradition members of Leyney Writers read from their work during the evening in Teach Laighne.

TIGER RISING BOOK LAUNCH

As part of Library Ireland Week 2009, Sligo County Libraries in conjunction with Home School Community Liaison Co-coordinators’ Ellen McKiernan, Una O’Gara and Sandra McNulty, held the official launch of the "One City One Book" project in Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street on Monday 9th March 2009 at 11am. ‘Let’s Read Together’ was the theme of this project and Sligo Library Service were delighted to be involved with and support this innovative project which aim was to promote literacy. Primary Schools throughout the County were supplied with copies of Sligo’s chosen book “Tiger Rising” as well as Borough and Council Representatives, Library Staff and leading sporting figures in the region. As such, a wide demographic of Sligo’s population encountered this small but captivating work of fiction and hopefully helped to realize the primary aim of the campaign.

SLIGO COUNTY LIBRARIES:

Combined Statistics of five branch libraries for the period January to September 2009

2009 1st Quarter Issues 50,654  
2009 1st Quarter Visitors 36,885   
2009 1st Quarter Internet Use 5,670
2009 1st Quarter Ref/Loc History 1,093 

2009 2nd Quarter Issues 49,939
2009 2nd Quarter Visitors 39,688
2009 2nd Quarter Internet Use 6,110
2009 2nd Quarter Ref/Loc History 1,503

2009 3rd Quarter Issues 57,321
2009 3rd Quarter Visitors 45,991
2009 3rd Quarter Internet Use 6,639
2009 3rd Quarter Ref/Loc History 1,648

EVENTS

January 2009

Sligo Central Library

The official launch of Sligo born Author Alan McMonagle's latest publication "Liar Liar" was held in Sligo Central Library on Thursday 8th January 2009. A large crowd of friends, family and interested public attended the affair, even though the weather was extremely cold, which was a testament to the gifted writer. Both the Mayor and Cathaoirleach and Writer-in-Residence Mr. Niall Williams were invited especially and all spoke in glowing terms regarding the publication.

February 2009

Computer Classes

Computer Classes were held in Sligo Central Library on the 4th February 2009 as part of the AONTAS Adult learner’s festival.

March 2009

World Book Day: Thursday 5th March 2009

To celebrate World Book Day in 2009, Sligo Libraries held the launch of Sligo VEC's latest Publication "Emerging Voices" on Thursday 5th March. All sections of the Community were invited to attend. The publication itself is a combination of collected writings from various members of the VEC as well as an educational workbook containing a variety of literacy and numeracy exercises.

National Tree Week: Sunday 1st March to Saturday 7th March 2009

Sligo County Libraries, in conjunction with Sligo County Council's Environment Section, distributed 150 sapling trees of Irish native stock (inc Ash, Birch, Rowan and Alder) to our customers over the period of National Tree Week on a first come-first served basis.

One City One Book Official Launch: Monday 9th March 2009

As part of Library Ireland Week 2009, Sligo County Libraries in conjunction with Home School Community Liaison Co-ordinators Ellen McKiernan, Una O’Gara and Sandra McNulty, held the official launch of the "One City One Book" project in Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street on Monday 9th March 2009 at 11am. ‘Let’s Read Together’ was the theme of this project and Sligo Library Service were delighted to have been involved and supported this innovative project which aims to promote literacy.

Internet Safety for Parents: Wednesday 11th March 2009

An Instructive talk by Mr. Roy Mitchell from the National Centre for Technology in Education on the topic of Internet Safety was held in Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street, Sligo on Wednesday 11th March 2009 at 8pm. This lecture was organised in co-operation with The Office for Internet Safety (OIS) www.internetsafety.ie and the National Centre for Technology in Education (NCTE) www.ncte.ie

April 2009

Inkwell Writers "Open Mike" Night. 22nd April 2009

The Inkwell Writers Group, based in Sligo Central Library held a 'Live Mike' in the Yeats Building, Hyde Bridge, Sligo on Wednesday 22nd April 2009 from 8pm to 10pm. The night consisted of readings by members of the group and other invited guests, including published writers.

Sligo Libraries Writing Competition: 28th April 2009

Following the success of last year's inaugural Schools Creative Writing Competition, Sligo County Library, in partnership with The Sligo Champion, this year ran the competition for a second year. It was expanded to include Senior and Junior Poetry as well as Fiction.

May 2009

Photo Exhibition: 1st May to 20th May

An exhibition of Beginners' photographs were displayed in Tubbercurry Community Library. The exhibition showcased the work of local students attending The Cloonacool School of Photography, who had just completed their first beginner’s course. The work displayed included a wide range of subject matter and some very creative compositions.

Organic Vegetables Workshop: Thursday 7th May

Learn how to grow your own Organic Vegetables with helpful hints and tips was held on Thursday 7th May at 7.00 pm. The event was free and all were welcome.

Sustainable Energy Ireland Workshops for Primary Schools

were held in Sligo Central Library from Tuesday 19th until Friday 22nd May 2009 3 workshops were run per day with a number of primary schools invited to attend and take part in the various activities.

Storytelling in Sligo Central Library: Tuesday 26th May

In order to celebrate Africa Day; Sligo Libraries hosted a Storytelling event for Primary Schools.

"You Lucky Thing" Book launch: Wednesday 27th May

The launch of Helen O’Leary’s latest publication You Lucky Thing took place in Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street at 7pm on Wednesday 27th May. The launch was the concluding event of Sligo’s Bealtaine Festival programme. You Lucky Thing is primarily a book of photographs of lucky objects, rituals, habits and sayings, uniquely local and Irish.

June 2009

Questseekers Reading Challenge

Sligo Central Library invited children to join the Quest Seekers Summer Reading Challenge 2009, the theme of which is the power of the imagination. The official launch was in July and all members signed up as a Quest Seeker were issued with a membership card, poster and stickers.

July 2009

Storytelling with Joanne Mitchell: Tuesday 7th and Wednesday 8th July 2009

"Cairde 2009" – 7 days of music, theatre, film, street performances, family events, poetry, exhibition and workshops. Sligo Central Library was the venue for interactive storytelling with Joanne Mitchell. 

Tubbercurry Literary Festival: 21st July 2009

The fourth annual Tubbercurry Literary Festival was held on Tuesday 21st July 2009 at 7.30pm at Teach Laighne, Humbert Street, Tubbercurry. Tubbercurry has a long established literary tradition and this has been reinforced by the establishment of the Leyney Writers.

August 2009

Questseekers Reading Challenge

Sligo Library Service invited all participants to Sligo Central Library on Monday 24th August at 3.00pm to celebrate the end of Quest Seekers Summer Reading Challenge. Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray, Deputy Mayor Councillor Jude Devins, County Librarian Donal Tinney and Executive Librarian Patricia Keane were on hand to award all with certificates, medals and goodies "galore" for all children who participated.

New DVD Collection

The Cathaoirleach Councillor Gerry Murray and Deputy Mayor Councillor Jude Devins were on hand to officially launch the start of the new DVD collection now available from the Sligo Library Service. The collection which spans both Juvenile and older age groups focuses on classical movies and educational documentaries which can be watched on numerous occasions.

September 2009

The Cathach

The Cathach was officially launched on Monday 21st September 2009 in Sligo Central Library. Both well established published and novice writers as well as Councillors Gerry Murray, Tony McLoughlin and Hubert Keaney and TD Eamon Scanlon were present for the occasion.

Fas eLearning

Information and Registration days;
Sligo Central Library, Stephen Street, Sligo: Tuesday 1st September 2009 from 11am to 3pm.

Tubbercurry Community Library, Humbert Street, Tubbercurry, Co. Sligo: Thursday 3rd September 2009 from 9.30am to 1pm.

October 2009

GIY (Grow it Yourself) 

GIY (Grow it Yourself) organisation met in Sligo Central Library on 12th October 2009 at 7.30 pm.

Children’s Book festival: Activities October 2009

14th October: Educational Puppet shows By Kids Party Club 10am to 1pm.  Primary Schools were invited to attend.

20th October - 23rd October:  Author David Donoghue hosted creative writing workshops and author readings in Sligo Central Library 20th and 23rd October. Enniscrone National School 21st October and Tubbercurry Community Library 22nd October 2009.

22nd October:  FÁS, in partnership with the Sligo County Library Service, introduced the FÁS eLearning at the Library Project’ to the Sligo and Tubbercurry libraries. This learning programme began in Sligo Central Library from 9.30am until 12.30pm on Thursday 22nd October. 

28th October:  3 Puppet Shows were held in Sligo Central Library hosted by Chris Thompson.

November 2009

GIY Group

The GIY (Grow it Yourself) organisation met in Sligo Central Library on Tuesday 3rd November 2009 at 7.30 pm. This Group, chaired by Niall McAlister, was formed so that organic farmers and like minded plant and vegetable enthusiasts had a forum where they could voice their opinions.

FAS eLearning official Launch

The FAS eLearning official launch took place on Thursday 12th November 2009 at 6pm in Sligo Central Library. This event officially recognised the classes and workshops already underway in Sligo Library branches facilitated by FAS co-coordinators.

December 2009

Citizen’s information presentation

Philip McCabe, Development manager of County Monaghans Citizen Information service visited Sligo Central Library to discuss issues such as;

• Pensions
• Tax relief benefits
• Social welfare entitlements
• Grant applications
• Redundancy