Sligo County Library

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 ID.

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.

New wheelchair accessibility at Sligo Library

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. Niall Williams 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 continues 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 meets 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”.

Borrow books 2008: statistics January to September 185 received, 214 sent.

  
A series of snapshots portraying the wide variety of events/activities that are held by Sligo County Libraries

Shane Reynolds, Alan Roberts and Seamus Hernon playing Irish traditional music as part of the Seachtain na Gaeilge celebrations

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

Malachy Gillen and Brenda Cawley (Sligo Library Staff) receiving a donation of foreign language books from Piotr Rachwald and Malgorzata Kmera (Sligo Immigrant Organisation)

ACTIVITIES/EVENTS DURING 2008

JANUARY 2008

• Tubbercurry Community Library Creative Writing Workshops throughout January 2008.
• Active Retired group – Art classes throughout January 2008.

FEBRUARY 2008

Sligo Central Library

• 1st February - St. Brigids Cross Workshop with the Meehan Sisters.
• Central Library Bookclub members attended Ennis Book Club Festival 29th February to March 2nd 2008.

Tubbercurry Community Library

• Kids Own publishing display 28th February – 5th March.
• Various Bookclub members attended Ennis Book Festival 29th February to March 2nd.

MARCH 2008

Sligo Central Library

• 2nd March - National Tree Week - 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

• 15th April - Art school visit; "The battle of the books" with the Mercy College.

Tubbercurry Community Library

• 30th April - Visit from local Montessori School which included a storytelling session.

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

• June 3rd and 4th - Anti Litter Environment workshops with storyteller Mary Lorraine McHugh.
• June 20th – Launch of FORCE 10 issue 13.

JULY 2008

Sligo Central Library

• 1st to 9th July - Children's summer camp.
• 1st July - Liz Weir, 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

• August 28th Heritage Week - "On the Pigs back; the Pig in Irish Culture". A lecture by Joe McGowan.
• August 29th - "Irish History Live" interactive show by Michael Moylan Tubbercurry Community Library.
• Leyney Writers Literary Festival 12th August 2008.

SEPTEMBER 2008

Sligo Central Library

• Positive Ageing Week: September 25th, October 2nd and October 9th at 6.45 - Internet tuition classes with Benny Morgan.

Tubbercurry Community Library

• 18th and 26th September – St. Attracta’s College transition year students visit Tubbercurry library and shown all the various facilities and services.

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 Science Week: 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 – Leyney Writers 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.