Press Releases
For older press releases, see press release archive section
Children's Book Festival 2011
Press Release Press Release 28 Sept. 2011
Children’s Book Festival is celebrated in Co. Wexford Libraries in October
Children’s Book Festival runs for the month of October and sees libraries, schools and bookshops throughout Ireland hosting events with the very best Irish and international children’s authors and illustrators. This is the 21st year Co. Wexford public libraries will participate in Children’s Book Festival and the 2011 programme presents a wonderful selection of writers, illustrators and storytellers for children of all ages to enjoy.
The festival kicks off with a bilingual event i nGaeilge agus i mBéarla, a game-based, interactive activity to make Celtic warriors of school children, followed by an art session. “Ar Thóir na bhFathach agus na nDragan” – “The Giant Killer & the Dragon Slayers Bootcamp”, presented by Andrew Whitson and his band of warriors from An tSnáthaid Mhór, Irish language publisher of beautifully illustrated Irish legends, should prove popular with aspiring young dragon slayers.
Scottish storyteller Fred Freeman returns to Wexford with his popular workshops on Scottish history and Robert Burns poetry, using songs and music to convey children on a journey through the centuries. Fred’s event last year was described by Wexford teachers as “a wonderful session, thoroughly enjoyable, excellent presentation”, “well prepared” and “very interesting and lively”.
Olive O'Brien, former solicitor and journalist established her own Cork-based publishing company, Silver Angel Publishing and has written three eco-friendly picture books dealing with green issues such as climate change through the eyes of Perry the polar bear or "Zico" an eco-superhero. Perry will join Olive for a reading and discussion of writing and environmental issues such as global warming, recycling etc aimed at a young audience. Olive hosted readings in Wexford and New Ross libraries to celebrate Library Ireland Week in March.
Very young children will be introduced to an enchanting farmyard of bees and hens by author / illustrator Dolores Keaveney, reading from her beautifully illustrated books “If I were a bee” and “Jenny, the little brown hen”. Dolores will show the children a real bee hive and explain the importance of bees. Dolores presented her charming books at Children’s Book Festival in Wexford in 2009.
Older children will enjoy the chance to learn from Alan Nolan, graphic novelist and creator of the “Murder Can Be Fatal” and “The Big Break Detectives”. Alan will talk about his graphic novels, give a practical drawing demonstration and provide participants with an unfinished cartoon strip to complete with his help.
On a multi-cultural note, The African Cultural Project will present Kaldi and the Dancing Goats, The Legend of Ethiopian Coffee, an exhibition based on illustrations by Sari Nordberg from the book of the same name written by Sauda Mdahoma. A unique addition to this international event is a Family Day which will include stories about coffee, Ethiopia and a Coffee Ceremony involving a coffee roasting, brewing and serving demonstration for adults while children enjoy a slide presentation of the illustrations, storytelling and reading of the story.
Booking is essential all events, many of which are available for school groups. All events are free of charge and details can be found on your local library’s facebook page, on the library website http://www.wexford.ie/wex/Departments/Library/WhatsOn/ or by contacting your local library.
- Bunclody Library Tel: 053 9375466
- Enniscorthy Library Tel: 053 9236055
- Gorey Library Tel: 053 9421481
- New Ross Library Tel: 051 421877
- Wexford Library Tel: 053 9121637
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More information from the local library or Dearbhla Ní Laighin, Library Headquarters, e-mail: dearbhla.nilaighin@wexfordcoco.ie or tel.: 053 9196569
2011 Summer Reading Challenge
Press Release June 2011
Reading takes centre stage!
July: Circus Stars: the 3rd annual Summer Reading Challenge in Wexford Public Libraries
Roll up! Roll up! Libraries in Wexford are getting ready to introduce children to a summertime circus spectacle that will keep them reading throughout the school summer holidays....with the 2011 Summer Reading Challenge™.
And it’s all free fun, which is top news for parents! The Summer Reading Challenge is just one of many exciting activities public libraries are developing to help children love reading, gaining confidence and new skills. So parents and carers, pop down to your local library and find out more!
Last year almost 1500 children particiapted in the Summer reading Challenge with Wexford Public Libraries. Each year the Summer Reading Challenge to children is simple. They’re encouraged to read six or more books of their choice during the holidays with collectable incentives and rewards, plus a certificate or medal for every child who completes the Challenge. Children can sign up at their local library as the summer term draws to a close and all materials are absolutely free to children.
The 2011 Summer Reading Challenge has a circus theme. Called Circus Stars, the razzmatazz starts with six children who have signed up for a contemporary circus skills academy. As they read books, they gain new circus skills through three important stages: Practice, Rehearsal and Show Time! Their activities are mirrored by children everywhere who read two books during each stage, gaining incentives along the way. The initiative will be supported by local events and activities in branch libraries.
An interactive Circus Stars (www.circus-stars.org.uk) website has been launched, linking children with top authors and illustrators, and giving them space to talk about their favourite books and to share reading ideas. Circus Stars also promotes their local library as a place of wonder for children, where librarians can offer them invaluable advice and guidance. Continuing to promote the accessibility of Wexford Library services for all patrons, there are also large print Summer Reading Challenge materials available for visually impaired children
County Librarian, Fionnuala Hanrahan says “We are delighted to participate again this year in The Summer Reading Challenge for children. It has been a hugely successful initiative over the past two summers and the children who took part found it an overwhelmingly positive experience. Teachers and parents have also seen the benefits in the wider reading range and volume of reading undertaken by children. Most of all it is a lot of fun for all those who take part.”
For more information please contact your local library
Press Release 11th May 2011- Bigger and better - Enniscorthy Library is back!
Enniscorthy Library is back home and open for business in its old building beside the Gárda Station on Lymington Rd. The library is shining and new looking, with extra space for books and cds and for library activities. Children have a bigger library and an additional room has been provided for adults for leisure reading in peace and quiet.
Self –service is there for those who like to borrow and return their loans themselves. More computers are provided on the ground floor also with extra study spaces and wi-fi for those who will bring their laptops to tele-work in the library. Self service is expected to free staff time to help people with their research and study problems.
Celebrating the improved library on Wednesday morning [11th] Cllr. Michael Kinsella, Chairman of Wexford County Council explained how the need to improve safety aspects of the building provided the chance to also transform public spaces and facilities. Essential improvements such as ramps, an accessible public toilet and better safety features are now in place. “We can expect an exciting programme of new events and community activities based on the library’s collections and using its new spaces”, he said.
Library staff said goodbye to their colleagues in the 1798 Centre where the library had complemented the heritage role of the Centre over the last 8 months. Having moved 30,000 items and the shelving and other furniture not once but twice over the winter, the librarians are delighted to settle back and focus on their summer programming.
However, useful links have strengthened between the library and the 1798 Centre. The two services plan to work together on history and community learning projects in the future. According to Centre manager, Jacqui Sinnott, the timing of the departure is excellent as it and the refurbished Enniscorthy Castle prepare for the school tour and tourism business that always surges from the early summertime.
Enniscorthy library is back in business and library staff are eager to show off their beautiful new public spaces. Opening hours are 6 days a week including late night Thursday ‘til 8:30 pm. More information from 053 92 36055 and www.wexford.ie/library
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More information from
Jarlath Glynn & Joan Lambert, Enniscorthy Library tel: 053 92 36055
- Enniscorthy Library - Bigger and Better (Word Document, 34 KB)
