Kilkenny Library News for April

Kilkenny County Library

April 2015

Our libraries are hives of activity this month!

"If words were leaves, would you prefer fall or Spring?"
Jarod Kintz

Spring has sprung, the days are long, so let your library inspire you to de clutter your life, and turn over a new leaf! We have a great selection of books on how to de clutter and decorate your home, or how about checking out our fitness and diet books?!

As usual, our libraries are hives of activity, and this month we can offer new computer courses, World Book Night, toddler groups, book clubs, knitting and craft groups, Irish conversation groups, historic, artistic and photographic exhibitions, and even FREE high viz jackets and dog poop bags!

World Book Night 2015

Fundraiser
Thanks to our patrons who supported our Library Daffodil Day Coffee Mornings across the county - €2,513.83 was raised.

World Book Night
World Book Night is an annual celebration of reading which takes place on 23rd April.

Passionate volunteer booklovers give out free books donated by The Reading Agency in their communities. The Reading Agency runs this programme in order to inspire people to share their love of reading with people who don’t regularly buy or borrow books.

Kilkenny is delighted to have been selected an “Institutional Volunteer”.

Loughboy Library

Writing News magazine
The Loughboy Writers’ Group recently launched their first issue of “Writing News” to a packed house at Loughboy library.

Much credit for this wonderful publication goes to Grace Wells who was Writer in Residence with Kilkenny County Library Service and Arts Office some years ago. Grace, with her wisdom and scholarship, guided her class of anxious students through the discipline which creative writing requires. With Grace, they produced poetry and prose-not Shakespeare or Keats-but pleasing and well on their way to greater things. Her inspiration and encouragement fostered an enduring wish to write an “get published”. With continuous support and encouragement from the staff of Loughboy Library this wish finally came true last week. The audience enjoyed delightful readings from group members Michael Casey, Marissa Byrne, Maria Marshall, Betty Brennan, Anne O’Brien, Johanna Funcheon, Teresa Morrissey, Kersty Evans, Emmaleene Leahy, Pat Shortall and Angela Kiernan on the night. The Writers’ Group extends their thanks to Kilkenny Library Service for a magnificent launch night and to Mary Butler Arts Office, Dorothy O’Reilly Senior Executive Librarian and all the local councillors who attended. A special tribute to local poet and teacher Mr Michael Massey RIP was read by group member Maria Marshall.

The Writers’ Group meets on Thursdays at Loughboy Library and always welcome new members. Copies of “Writing News” are available at all libraries.

Group member, Pat Shortall , composed a delightful poem called “Above the Call of Duty” to show his appreciation to Library Manager Caitriona Kenneally and staff members Mary Gaffney, Nuala Brennan, Teresa Lawlor and Glen Lewis who organised the launch.

eLearning at the Library
Free computer courses provided by the Education Training Board and aimed primarily at jobseekers will commence on Thursday April 16^th Participants will attend on Thursdays and Fridays from 2-4pm for 5 weeks. Please give your name to Loughboy Library and a course tutor will contact you.

Bealtaine Festival will commence with an Alzheimer’s Tea Day on Friday May 1^st. Tea Day is a social occasion where thousands of people come together to drink tea and raise funds for the Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland. Other Bealtaine events include a Mindfulness Workshop, a Make-Your-Own Natural Beauty Products Demonstration and a Traditional Music Session. All Bealtaine events will take place on Fridays at 11am. Bookings and more details are available at the library.

“Forbidden Screams” Exhibition is currently on display. These ceramic art pieces are sculptured by Gabrielle Sampson originally from Castlecomer. They are inspired by Munch’s “The Scream” but go beyond that. When the Ferns Report on child abuse was published Gabrielle was so upset and her first reaction was one of helplessness. She set about thinking of all the situations we find ourselves in where screams are forbidden and the project grew from there. Each individual mask on display has its own expression-its own scream. Please come in to view “Forbidden Screams”.

Phone: 056/ 7794176
Email: loughboy@kilkennylibrary.ie

Ferrybank Library

Never too old to be computer savvy!

Congratulations to the participants of the Age Action computer course for over 55’s. They received their certificates on successful completion of the course. Well done to all concerned.

If you would like to participate in future computer courses run by Age Action, they will be running another class shortly. These courses are especially designed for older people who are using a computer for the first time. People are taught at their own pace, by their own tutor.

Contact the library to register your interest.

Easter Egg Hunt – Wednesday 1^st April was an egg-ceeding success! And not only for the children!!!

Bibliotherapy – The Power of Words – Read Yourself Well......now available in the library. This NEW collection which has been compiled by GP’s and other professionals includes books on many of the common psychological problems people experience, e.g. depression, grief, stress, addiction and low self-esteem etc...

New Computer Course this month - ETB [Education Training Board] will commence computer classes at the end of April 2015.

If interested in partaking in this course, please contact the library to register. We are taking names now, places on a ‘first come, first served’ basis.

Phone: 051 897200
Email: ferrybank@kilkennylibrary.ie

Castlecomer Library

Parent and Toddler Storytime and Crafts
Drop in for this free session on Thursday mornings for an hour at 11.30am. Listen to a story and make something pretty!

Exhibition
The Story of Kilkenny’s architecture continues until April 30th. Suitable for all, especially schools. We offer free display space for individuals and community groups in blocks of 2 -4 weeks.

Book Club
The Afternoon Book Club will meet at 2.30 on Tuesday May 26th to chat about:”Us” by David Nicholls. And May’s title is “The paying Guest “ by Sarah Waters This lively group welcomes new members. Free copies of these titles are available to borrow.

Irish Conversation Circle
We welcome anybody who wishes to converse as gaeilge on Wednesday May 6^th at 10.00. The group meets every month.

Nattering Knitters
Anyone who wishes to join this group is welcome, whether it is to learn a new craft or to participate in this happy group, come along any Thursday from 1am – 12pm.

Free Computer Classes for beginners starting soon. For details call to the library and place your name on our list.

Thanks from Daffodil Day
Thanks to all who supported this worthy cause, €435 was lodged to the Daffodil Day account.

Phone: 056 - 4440561
Email: Castlecomer@kilkennylibrary.ie

Thomastown Library

Book Club
Our Book Club is a very vibrant group! Next month’s meeting will take place on Wednesday 6^th May at 2.15pm, new members are always welcome.The title to duiscuss: “A Short history of tractors” by Marina Lewycka

Food from the garden for Spring
Check out our selection of books on display!

Daffodil Day
Thanks to all who supported our Coffee Morning, we raised €57.

Callan Library

Pick up a book from our recommended reads section!

Phone: 056 - 7794183
Email: callan@kilkennylibrary.ie

John’s Quay Library

Daffodil Day
Thanks to all those who supported our Annual Daffodil Day Coffee morning and raffle recently. We were overwhelmed with peoples generosity and raised a total of €1324.83.

Thanks to the following for raffle prizes: Langtons, Mugshot Café, Stonehouse Books, The Book Centre, The Watergate Theatre, O’Connell’s Chemist High Street, Bobby Lynch (Wood turner), Jim Fogarty (Author), The Smithwicks Experience, Anita Raggett, Kathleen Carroll and Kilkenny Local Authorities Environmental Section. Pictured is library member Mary Nora, who enjoyed the morning.

A list of prize winners is available on www.Kilkennylibrary.ie

The Quay Book Club
A History of Loneliness by John Boyne will be discussed at the next meeting on Wednesday 29^th April. New members are always welcome.

Beadwork Exhibition
The artwork of Tia Vellani will be on display in City Library for the next few weeks. Recognised for her diverse background, Dr. Vellani has created works of art based on musical notation by transforming sound into colour. A multi-talented artist, Tia ran a very successful jewellery beading class during Bealtaine in the library last year.

Poets on Board
Please email your poem to citylibrary@kilkennylibrary.ie to be in with a chance to win a book voucher. Selected poems for this month will be on display in the library from 10^th April.

Bealtaine Events
Want to learn more about downloading FREE audio books and FREE magazines from the library website? Staff will be taking bookings shortly, so watch this space.

Mindfulness introduction talks will also be run during the month of May.

Phone: 056 - 7794175
Email: citylibrary@kilkennylibrary.ie

Graiguenamanagh Library

Daffodil Day Coffee Morning Friday 27^th March at Graiguenamanagh Library raised €657.00. Thank you to everyone who donated prizes for the raffle also to those who made cakes, buns etc. A special thanks to Ann & Stas in the health centre for selling tickets.

Free Computer Classes starting in the library in April. Please call into the library or phone 056 7794178 to book your place.

Photographic exhibition by Kevin Higgins of Kilkenny Photographic Society on display in the library viewing during usual opening times. Parent & Toddler group meet every Thursday morning in the Library from 10am – 12.00 all welcome

Crafty Crew meet every Wednesday from 10.30 to 12.00, if you would like to meet, knit, sew, crochet, embroider or any craft come along for chat and a cuppa.

Phone: 056 - 7794178
Email: graiguenamanagh@kilkennylibrary.ie

More News from Kilkenny!

eBooks
As a library member you have FREE access to hundreds of eBooks and eAudiobooks to read at home or anywhere. Kilkenny Country Library's service is available on the OneClickdigital Platform.

OneClickdigital eBooks are available for download using Adobe Digital Editions. The software is compatible with both Windows and Mac personal computers, and other devices like Android Smartphones, tablets. You will need your library card number to create your account. See www.kilkennylibrary.ie or drop into any branch for details.

eMagazines You can access for free, the current and back editions of over 25 magazines such as National Geographic, Time, Hello, Country Living! Zinio for Libraries, eMagazines

Free WiFi is now available in Loughboy Ferrybank and John’s Quay branches for members.

Irish Newspapers Online, Local Studies Department
A wide-range of regional Irish Newspapers will soon be available to search online through our library branches

You will have access to local papers like the Kilkenny People from 1st January 1921 and the Munster Express from the 4th January 1908.This service will be free to all Library Users.