Library News, 23rd May 2012
Playing Footsie at Kilkenny Library Service
Susie Minto, professional storyteller and creative writing facilitator, paid a visit to Castlecomer library recently. The theme for the afternoon workshop was shoes under the title ”Sole to Soul”.
All the participants brought a pair of shoes and told the group why they choose to bring these particular ones. Shoes on hand were from 20 year old walking shoes to purple flowered stilettoes with 5 inch heels, to tartan covered loafers bought in Scotland.
Stories ranged over wearing open toes from March to October, line dancing, missing a wedding due to the Ash Cloud and a first visit to a future mother-in-law which faltered on the comment “wear a pair of sensible shoes or she will think you do not know how to do anything” A new term was coined “aspirational shoes” ie elegance with comfort. I wonder is it possible?
The workshop lasted for 2 hours and sharing the stories was followed by Susie providing the group with an imaginative scenario and the participants writing a short piece triggered by this. It was referred to as “new born writing” and was shared with the group in this way – only positive comments on the “new born”'.
Susie was also in Graiguenamanagh with the same workshop. Stories here ranged from the funny to the poignant. One young woman regretted that she could no longer wear high heels due to an accident. One woman wore a particular pair of shoes at milestones in her life – her mother’s funeral, her retirement from work.
From the shoes came a great story from long ago about fraochans(bilberries). The boy picked the fraochans and presented them to the girl of his dreams as an invitation to “walk out with him”. If the girl accepted she baked him a cake containing the fraochans.
References to large size men’s shoes as “canal barges” were very apt for this region. There were stories of going to school barefooted, of dance hall days in Borris and memories of foreign holidays in the “holiday” shoes.
Before the morning was over, one man wanted to test the dancing qualities of one participant’s shoes and the library manager obliged, dancing a waltz around the library. There’s no end to the services provided by Kilkenny Library Service!
Susie Minto is an excellent facilitator. She created a comfortable relaxed atmosphere in which people were willing to share their stories. Sad stories were respected and funny stories were enjoyed. Each story originated from a pair shoes. This event was part of the Bealtaine Festival in KLS.
Storylab: Summer Reading Challenge for Children
The Summer Reading Challenge for children will take place in all libraries during July and August. The aim of the challenge is to encourage children to read 6 books during their school holidays. It is designed for children of all ages and reading abilities. They can read any book they like that they have borrowed from their local library. The theme of the challenge this year is stories – reading, collecting and sharing them. As usual there will be stickers to collect and incentives for those who reach 2 books read, 4 books read and finally all six books read. More details about this year’s challenge will be available shortly.
Paul Durcan is a fan of Amanda Brunker!
In Paul Durcan’s new collection of poetry, Praise in Which I Live and Move and Have my Being, the first poem is all about Amanda Brunker and the day she was signing copies of her book, Champagne Kisses. He looses his place in the queue he is so curious about her. He has three things to say about her -1. She is mortal. 2. She is a looker. 3. “Roll over Jane Austen” Direct Quote!
Copies of Paul’s and Amanda’s books are on the shelves of the library, though not too close together.
News from around the county
Urlingford
New exhibition rail
Calling all budding artists and crafters. The Library has installed a new display rail for paintings, photos etc. Just the perfect spot to display your talents! Telephone (0567794182) or call in and leave your name and treasured creations and we will display them for you for free.
The internal layout of the library has been changed for the better. You can now see the staff!! The desk is more user friendly especially for wheelchair access and children. We were told that this is cool ( the desk, that is) Still working on the staff !
City Library, John’s Quay
Change in opening hours:
The library will close for lunch from 1-2pm Tuesday-Friday during June, July and August.
Exhibition Space:
Interested in exhibiting your artwork in the Library? Call in or contact Aisling on 056 779 4174.
World Refugee Day “Do 1 thing”:
As part of UNHCR Ireland’s World Refugee Day campaign to raise awareness of refugees and asylum seekers, the Library will mount a display of both fiction and factual books which relate to refugee issues. This will take place during the month of June. Why not try out just one title such as The Kite Runner or A Thousand Splendid Suns.
Loughboy
Alert forKnitters
There is something for the novice and old hands in our colourful display of knitting books. Have you registered for the summer knitting project? It’s top secret but will be fun and easy. All ages welcome and men are especially welcome. Why not watch the matches and knit at the same time? No complicated pattern or stitches, just plain sailing. Contact any of the libraries or phone 0567794176.
Castlecomer It’s Books all the way
For children
We’re just MAD ABOUT BOOKS” is the latest Book Club for boys and girls aged 8-12 years coming on stream in the Library. The first monthly get together takes place at 3.30 on Tuesday June 5th. Drop by and bring along YOUR favourite book of the moment!
For adults
Pageturners Reading group meets on Thursday May 31st to chat about Donna Tartt’s “The Secret History”, and the Afternoon Book Club will meet on June 27th to discuss “On Canaan’s Side” by Sebastian Barry.
Exhibition
Claire King from Douglas, Cork will exhibit a selection of oil paintings from June 10t2th – 23rd.