Library Events 2008

Christmas Craft Fair
Christmas Craft Fair takes place Monday, 8th to Tuesday, 16th December 2008 incl. in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon Town, Co. Clare featuring hand crafted items by local craft workers.
Clare Supported Employment Service information
CSES will provide a display board in the Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon, from 27th November to 4th December incl. to create a greater awareness and promotion of their services to potential employers.
FAS Libraries Project
Aimed at absolute beginners and those who want to improve their PC skills, FAS eCollege and the Library Council are offering the chance to brush up on PC skills in Shannon Library.
In a partnership between An Chomhairle Leabharlanna and FAS, supported workshops will be held in the Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon to help learners.
The workshops will commence on Wednesday, 26th November 2008, and continue on Wednesdays from 1.00pm–3.00pm, and Thursday mornings 10.00–12.00 noon until February 2009. For further information telephone Shannon Public Library at 061-364266 or FAS at 061-706100.
Craft Fair Meeting
A Craft Fair Meeting for people interested in participating, takes place at
7.00pm Tuesday, 25th November in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon Tel. 061-364266.
Launch of Christmas Poetry Book
Local poet Dermot Maguire, will launch his book of Christmas Poems in Sean Lemass Public Library at 6.30pm on Friday, 21st November 2008.
COLLECTION ’08, Painting Exhibition
Collection ’08 is a selection of Landscape and Seascape paintings by local artist Leonard Graham showing at Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon, Co. Clare, from 18th November to 5th December inclusive.
Ready, Set, Bio "Cells Alive", 10.30am Monday, 10th November.
Science experiments and workshop will mark Science Week.
Junior Chess Club
Shannon Junior Chess Club for children restarts its Winter / Spring
programme on Friday, 7th November at 6.30pm. The Chess Club will interest children over seven years and will meet weekly thereafter on Friday evenings.
Storybags for Parents
Story bags for parents continues on Tuesdays 4th, 11th & 18th November from 10.30am - 12.00 noon in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon. Make a Story come to life for your child with the Clare Family Learning Project.
Craft Fair Meeting
A Craft Fair Meeting for people interested in participating takes place at 7.00pm on Tuesday, 4th November in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon. Tel. 061-364266.
Ennis Fashion Week
18th – 25th October 2008
Clare County Library has organised a display of books at the De Valera Public Library, Harmony Row, Ennis during Ennis Fashion Week. Call in to see, or borrow, a wide selection of books on fashion, costume, style, beauty, etc.
On Wednesday, 22nd October at 8.00 pm a talk on “Fashion in Ireland” will take place at the same library. The speaker is Liz Clery. Her talk will deal with Irish fashion in the 1950s and 1960s and, in particular, with the work of Neillí Mulcahy and her Irish haute couture salon. All are welcome and entry is free.
Neillí and her husband Tom Bacon were the Posh and Becks of their time. She trained with French couturier Jacques Heim in Paris in the 1950s and the attention to detail she learned there later became a hallmark of her designs. Her Dublin salon produced haute couture garments from 1951 to 1969. She was a significant wool designer and collaborated with hand weavers to produce fabrics in lightweight weaves and vibrant colours. She is best known for designing the Aer Lingus uniform in 1962. Neillí was one of the first truly Irish designers and was known for her pioneering use of Irish fabrics, and tweed in particular.
Her work is currently on exhibition at the National Museum of Ireland in Collins Barracks, Dublin. Liz Clery is writing a book about Mulcahy.
For further details contact the DeValera Public Library at 065-6846353.
Scariff Public Library
An exhibition of acrylic paintings by the artist Petrov will take place in Scariff Public Library Exhibition Space from 13th - 28th October.
Art Exhibition
A solo exhibition of oil paintings by Achim Riffel, will run from 3rd-30th October in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon.
2 October 2008, 3.00pm
“Half-Century Memoirs” - a reading by Dr. Colum Killeen to mark Positive Ageing Week will take place at DeValera Public Library, Harmony Row, Ennis.
Entry is free and all are welcome.
Dr. Colum Killeen’s recently published book was written in collaboration with his wife, Dr. Ita Killeen. They had a general practice in Dublin’s inner city for over forty years, caring for many generations of families during that time. The book is both amusing and informative as well as being a valuable record of the working lives of two busy GPs.
For further information contact DeValera Public Library at 065-6846353.
Literacy Week: 22nd - 25th September
The Clare Family Learning Project at Clare VEC, together with The Clare Library Service, invite parents and their Primary School children to a “Story Bags” Workshop as part of Adult Literacy Week.
These one hour workshops are on in the following libraries:
- De Valera Public Library, Ennis, Monday, 22nd September, 3.30pm
- Sean Lemass Public Library Shannon, Tuesday, 23rd September, 3.30pm
- Kilrush Public Library, Tuesday, 23rd September, 3.30pm
- Killaloe Public Library, Wednesday, 24th September, 3.30pm
- Ennistymon Public Library, Thursday, 25th September, 3.30pm
- Scariff Public Library, Thursday, 25th September, 3.30pm
If you enjoy the workshop you can sign up for a six week course starting the following week. Participants of the course create their own ‘Story Sack’ made up of props related to a specific book. This is developed week by week as a different part of a book is focused on and the appropriate items are made and collected together in the bag. The process gives participants an opportunity to think about what elements there are to a book, the value of sharing books with children as well as being fun and creative.
Each parent will get 2 FREE books, cloth bag and background.
Please contact your local library for more information or phone Clare Library Headquarters at 065-6846350.
For those wishing to speak a little or a lot of Irish, the Grupa Gaeilge makes a welcome return to Scariff library on Saturday, 13 September at 11.30am. Songs, chat, games and more. Children are especially welcome.
Artist Frances Bailey will hold an exhibition of her work from 8th September - 5th October in the Scariff library exhibition space. For this collection she has drawn on her life’s experience to produce images in acrylic on canvas which tell her story and has called the collection “INSIGHT”.
26 August 2008, 8.00pm
The Care and Conservation of Books – a talk by Rene Franklin, Clare County Archivist, will take place at the DeValera Public Library, Harmony Row, Ennis. Entry is free and all are welcome.
This event marks Heritage Week which runs from 24th - 31st August. Heritage Week is part of European Heritage Days, a joint initiative of the Council of Europe and the European Union. In Ireland Heritage Week is co-ordinated by the Heritage Council with support from the Department of Environment, Heritage and Local Government. Its aim is to create awareness of our built, natural and cultural heritage, thereby encouraging its conservation and preservation.
For further information contact DeValera Public Library at 065-6846353.
Heritage awareness in Shannon Library 24th August - 6th Sept. incl.
Photographs, courtesy of Dúchas na Sionna, of local national monuments and of the built heritage in the Shannon area. Poster display of 'Logainmneacha na Sionna', placenames in Shannon.
Exhibition of Adult Education Information
An Exhibition of Adult Education Information will be on display in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon from 20th August - 30th September. It will provide information on Adult education available in Co. Clare and the Mid West Region.
PICTURE PERFECT WITH PLAYSTATION!
Ennis and Scarriff Libraries Thursday, August 7th, 10.00am–5.30pm &
Kilrush and Shannon Libraries Friday, August 15th, 10.00am–5.00pm
Photograph Exhibition at Sweeney Memorial Public Library, Kilkee
A collection of framed photographs of garden flowers is showing at the Sweeney Memorial Public Library, Kilkee until August 15th. The photographer is Ray Walsh.
Graduates Group Art Exhibition
Five artists who recently gradutated from Limerick School of Art and Design are showing a selection of their works in the Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon.
Included are Ian Aherne and Aja Daly who show sculpture, Paraic Leahy's paintings, Liam Caplice's photography and Rory Prout's work in mixed media. The exhibition continues until 5th August.
2 August 2008, 3.00pm
As part of the Scariff Harbour Festival, internationally renowned author Brian Keenan visits Scariff Public Library to read from his eagerly anticipated memoir. Brian Keenan is author of An Evil Cradling, a best selling graphic account of his hostage experience; Turlough his first novel which brings together his time of captivity and the personal life and loves of the blind harpist Turlough O'Carolan; Four Quarters of Light, A Journey Through Alaska - which he felt called to undertake having read Jack London's The Call of the Wild in his childhood.
Kilrush Art Group Exhibition
Running form 31st of July to 22nd August the Kilrush Art Group exhibits a range of paintings in watercolours and oils at Kilrush Public Library.
There are 79 paintings in total in the exhibition which is sponsored by Kilrush Town Council, E.S.B Moneypoint and the Kilrush Credit Union.
The featured artists are Eileen Mulqueen, Jacqueline Taylor, Do Do Kelly, Avril Brand, Dave Goff, April Jarocka, Maureen O'Shea, Connie Keane, Anneta Paszkowska, Breda Clancy and Pauline Dunleavy.
Kilkee Civic Trust Summer Lectures, Sweeney Memorial Library
On Wednesday evenings in July and August 2008, Kilkee Civic Trust provides a series of summer talks for adults in the Sweeney Memorial Library, Kilkee on a variety subjects of local and national interest for the seventh year in row.
Taking place between 8.00pm and 10.00pm, they have become a key feature of the season for visitors and local residents alike. Admission is free to all members of the public with a special invitation to Summer visitors in the area.
Lectures that have so far taken place include:
- Kilkee: the Western Brighton: The development of the Seaside Resort in Victorian Ireland by Dr. Tricia Cusack
- Ireland’s Traditional Boats by Chriostior MacCarthaig
- A Showcase for the Drama, Poetry and Paintings of Loop Head and Kilkee Artists
- Arts in Focus (Part One)
- Is it rational to be good? presented by Prof. Paul Saalbach
Come along to the following lectures yet to take place:
- A presentation by John Quinn (from RTÉ’s Open Mind) on Wednesday, July 30th
- Tomas MacConmara presents Clare Involvement in the Mountjoy Riots of 1917 on Wednesday, August 6th
- Fr. Michael Casey PP presents Zimbabwe – A Missionary Reflects on Then and Now Wednesday, August 13th
- Arts in Focus (Part Two) on Wednesday, August 20th and
- From East to West – Growing, buying and eating local food in Clare by Hilary Gleeson (Rural Development Officer) on Wednesday, August 27th
30 July 2008, 1 – 2pm
Riches of Clare Concert of traditional Irish music
Featuring Bobby Gardiner, John Nugent
Newmarket on Fergus Public Library. Admission Free.
Contact Clare Arts Office on 065-6846267 for further info or Finola Ryan on 087-4199293
29th July 3.30pm
The Summer Activity programme for children ends with the children from Mountshannon and Whitegate’s production of Cinnín Óir agus na Trí Bhéar. This is a fun staging of the well loved children’s classic, Goldilocks and the Three Bears in the Irish language and is guaranteed entertainment for all the family. Contact 061-364266 for details and booking.
Art Workshop in Shannon Library
Brendan Gordon will run two art sessions for young artists aged 7 to 12 in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon on Wednesday, July 23rd and Wednesday, July 30th, 2008 at 4.00pm.
Contact 061-364266 for details and booking.
There’s stories, games and crafts for younger children aged 4-6 on Wednesday, 23rd July at 3.30pm. and on Friday, 25th July at 3.30pm at Scariff Public Library. Melanie Lorien will help children aged between 7 and 12 make corn dollies. Contact 061-364266 for details and booking.
22nd July 3.30pm
Come along and get the fascinating facts on bats from conservation ranger Sinead Biggane at Scariff Public Library. Children aged 7-12 will get to hear and feel ‘real’ bats. Sinead will also lead a bat walk in Raheen Wood that evening at 9.45pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 061-364266 for details and booking.
18th July 3.30pm
A make and do session for children aged 7-12 will take place at Scariff Public Library. Contact 061-364266 for details and booking.
17th July, 3.30pm
Scariff Public Library is the meeting point for a trip to Scariff Fire Station at 3.30pm. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Contact 061-364266 for details and booking.
16th July, 3.30pm
Stories, nursery rhymes and crafts with Josie Scholman for children aged 3-6 takes place at Scariff Public Library. Places may be limited so please contact the library on 061-922893 for further details.
16 July 2008, 1 – 2pm
Riches of Clare Concert of traditional Irish music
Featuring Michael Hynes, Denis Liddy, Eoin O'Neill
Kilrush Public Library. Admission Free.
Contact Clare Arts Office on 065-6846267 for further info or Finola Ryan on 087-4199293
2nd – 30th July 2008
Photographic Exhibition
Kilrush Public Library will host an exhibition of photographs by Ray Walsh during the month of July. The exhibition will be open for viewing during library opening hours.
2 July 2008, 1 – 2pm
Riches of Clare Concert of traditional Irish music
Featuring Helen Hayes, Denis Cahill, Mark Donellan, John Canny
Killaloe Public Library. Admission Free.
Contact Clare Arts Office on 065-6846267 for further info or Finola Ryan on 087-4199293
Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon - Children's Summer Activities
1st July - 17th July 2008
De Valera Public Library, Ennis - Children's Summer Activities
30th June - 11th July 2008
Art, Design and Craft Exhibition
Scariff Public Library Exhibition Space will host an exhibition of creative work by students from East Clare Adult Education Centre from the 18th – 24th June 2008.
The exhibition gives students the opportunity to show a small selection of the art, design and craft work produced during their 2 year course. The exhibition will run from 18th - 24th June. Timmy Dooley T.D. will open the exhibition on Thursday, 19th June at 7.00pm.
All are welcome to attend.
June 18th, 10am
Presentation of prizes for the Brian Boru Festival Children’s Art and Writing Competition will take place in Killaloe Public Library. Approximately 100 children from all schools in the area are expected to attend. The art competition was open to all fifth class national school children in the area and the writing competition was open to sixth class students.
Gaeilge for Everybody
Come along to a monthly get-together for adults and children wishing to use what Irish they have at Scariff Public Library, beginning Saturday, 14th June 2008 from 11.30am to 1.30pm.
COMPUTOR TUTOR for Seniors
Computor Tutor for Seniors is a three week ' IT Taster' provided by Clare Adult Basic Education Service taking place in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon on Wednesday mornings 11.00am - 12.30pm on June 11th, 18th & 25th.
June 3rd – 30th
Romantic Ireland: An exhibition of new paintings and photography by Christina Watkins
Sean Lemass Library, Shannon
June 3rd - 17th
An art exhibition by Inis Artists will run in The Sweeney Memorial Library, Kilkee. The exhibition will be open for viewing during Library opening hours
The Jane Austen Sewing Kit Creative Writing Workshop
13th May, 2.00pm at de Valera Library, Ennis
Writer Eileen Casey will facilitate The Jane Austen Sewing Kit Creative Writing Workshop
Jane Austen (1775-1817), one of the most famous authors in the English language who gathered the themes for her work from the commonplace of domestic scenarios she experienced in her daily life.
The Jane Austen Sewing Kit Workshop invites participants, in a relaxed, informal atmosphere, to explore the possibilities of bringing together the language of one art form and ‘marrying’ it with another. ‘Sewing’ lines of memory (romantic or otherwise) or drawing up a colourful character profile (a la Mrs. Bennett or Mr. Collins) will also help the writer introduce a note of humour, partly the reason Jane Austen’s work is so popular. Most of all, the intention is to renew each individual writer’s love affair with language itself.
An exhibition of work from IMMA (The Irish Museum of Modern Art, Dublin) and Raheen Hospital Daycare Centre will be held in the Scariff Public Library exhibition space from 10th May until 14th June. The work that will be exhibited from Raheen is a collection called 'WISE WAYS' and comprises approximately 50 wall hung small clay reliefs. The work on loan from the collection at IMMA are a series of 15 'heads' which are life size images made in plaster by artist John Ahern working with school children from the local school in Kilmainham.
Gaeilge for everybody at Scariff Public Library on Saturday, 10th May from 11.30am – 1.30pm. Chat, games, songs, poetry and more. Children are especially welcome.
Gaeilge for everybody at Scariff Public Library on Saturday, 12th April from 11.30am – 1.30pm. Chat, games, songs, poetry and more for those wishing to use whatever Irish they have.
Clare County Library will host the “Wood of Life” exhibition at three library venues during March and April. It will be in the De Valera Public Library, Ennis from 11th – 22nd March. From there it moves to the Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon from 24th March - 4th April and then on to the Sweeney Memorial Library, Kilkee from 21st April - 3rd May. The “Wood of Life” is a hands-on travelling exhibition consisting of large colourful panels highlighting what is happening to the world’s forests, why it’s happening and what people can do to help and encourage better forest management and responsible timber sourcing. Schools and the general public are invited to visit.
Internet Basics - Courses will begin in Killaloe Library on Internet Basics every Wednesday. They will begin on Wednesday, 2nd April at 10.30am. A second course will begin at 1.30pm. All are welcome. Enquiries and booking to Killaloe Library at 061-376062 or Margaret Lynch at 061-640760. Training supplied by Clare VEC in conjunction with Killaloe Library.
Inis Artists Exhibition
The 15 members of the Inis Artists have officially opened their touring exhibition calendar with a very colourful display of paintings at Scariff Public Library Exhibition Space. The exhibition runs from 31st March until 26th April 2008.
Wood of Life Exhibition, courtesy of Just Forests, Co. Offaly
Available for viewing in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon, from 24th March - 4th April 2008. The exhibition consists of large panels and wood samples from around the world. It projects the spirit of the UN, Decade of Education for Sustainable Development 2005-2014.
Easter Art & Craft Session
Kilfinaghty Public Library, Sixmilebridge, Wednesday, 19th March at 4.00pm. Suitable for children aged 6-12. For further details please contact 061-369678.
Junior Chess Club
A junior chess club run by coach, S. Danaher, will meet in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon, beginning Friday, 14th March 2008 at 6.30pm.
A Storybags Course will commence in Killaloe on Thursday, 13th March at 10.30am. The course will take two hours every Thursday for eight weeks.The Clare Family Learning Project is providing the course free of charge for parents, grandparents or carers of children between 0-7 years. The course will help you to support your child's learning by making books come alive through fun and creativity. Enquiries to Killaloe Library at 061-376062 or Margaret Lynch at 061-640760.
Easter Crafts for kids aged 7-12 in Scariff Public Library on Thursday, 13th March at 3.30pm. All materials provided.
Cross-Stitching
Craft Session, takes place in Kilfinaghty Public Library, Sixmilebridge on Wednesday, 12th March at 4.00pm. Suitable for children aged 9-12. Booking is required. Please contact 061-369678.
Free Lunchtime Concert of Irish traditional music in Scariff Public Library on Tuesday, 11th March, from 1.00 - 2.00pm.
The Big Book Quiz
To celebrate World Book Day on 6th March 2008, pupils from Scariff National School will take part in "The Big Book Quiz" at 1.00pm in Scariff Public Library.
Scariff Public Library Bookclub
The first meeting of the new Scariff Library Bookclub will take place at 7pm in the library on World Book Day, March 6th. Discover new books and share the pleasures of reading with others. All lovers of books and reading are welcome.
World Book Day will be marked at the DeValera Library, Ennis on Thursday, 6th March at 8.00pm in “Celebrating Libraries” - an evening of music, readings, drama and chat. Writers taking part will include popular Galway-poet Rita Ann Higgins, Clare-based Knute Skinner and Goeran Pettersson. Rita Ann Higgins has published eight collections of poetry, five with Salmon publishing and three with Bloodaxe, including her latest collection “Throw in the vowels". She has written four plays and has been writer in residence at the National University of Ireland. She is a member of Aosdána. Knute Skinner was a founder member of the North Clare Writers Workshop, editing a number of its publications, which also featured many works by him. It will also include readings by library members and community representatives.
All are welcome and entry is free.
Story Bags course provided free of charge by The Clare Family Learning Project for parents, grandparents or carers of pre-school and/or primary school children on Wednesdays from 10am -12pm in Scariff Public Library. Start date Wednesday, 5th March 2008. Contact Margaret Lynch at (061) 640760 or Scariff Public Library at (061) 922893 for booking and information.
Am Scéalaíochta
Special Seachtain na Gaeilge Storytimes for young children by Senior Library Assistant, Marie Clohessy will take place in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon, on Tuesday, 4th March and Wednesday, 12th of March, from 11.00am to 11.45am.
Art Exhibition entitled Meet Me comprising new mixed media paintings by artist Katja Wittmer will be on display in the Scariff Public Library exhibition space from March 3rd - 29th, 2008. Katja Wittmer will host a reception on Tuesday, March 25th from 6.00 - 8.00pm in the library.
Seachtain na Gaeilge, 3rd - 17th March 2008
Poet, Bríd Ní Mhóráin hosts a poetry workshop for children in the following libraries at the following times:
Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon at 11am and
deValera Public Library Ennis at 1.30pm on Thursday, 6th March.
She will meet with children from local National Schools on Friday, 7th March in Dr. Patrick J. Hillery Public Library, Miltown Malbay at 10.30am and in Kilrush Library at 2pm.
Bríd who comes from Dingle, Co. Kerry, will read and discuss poetry written for and by children in the Irish language and will encourage the classes attending to write their own poems.
Teenage author Ré O Laighléis will run workshops for Secondary School pupils in five of Co. Clare’s Library Branches.
Ré’s workshops will include discussion of his best-selling novels for children in the Irish language and some practical information on how to write fiction for teenagers.
Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon at 10.30am, Friday, 7th March
Sweeney Memorial Library, Kilkee at 11am on Monday, 10th March
Kilrush Public Library at 2pm on Monday, 10th March
Killaloe Public Library at 11am on Wednesday, 12th March
Scariff Public Library at 2pm on Wednesday, 12th March
Marie Clohessy, Senior Library Assistant, Clare County Library, will hold storytime sessions in Irish for young children in the following libraries at the following times:
Corofin Public Library, Monday, 3rd March, 2pm
Sixmilebridge Public Library, Wednesday, 5th March, 11.30am
Newmarket on Fergus Public Library, Wednesday, 5th March, 1.30pm
Kildysart Public Library, Thursday, 13th March, 10am
Tulla Public Library, Thursday, 13th March, 12 noon
Clare Supported Employment Service Information
An information stand provided by Clare Supported Employment Service will be on display in:
Newmarket on Fergus Public Library 1st - 14th March
Kilfinaghty Public Library, Sixmilebridge 18th March - 1st April, and
Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon 2nd - 15th April
Clare Supported Employment Service Ltd. are based at No. 1, St. Anthony’s Terrace, Harmony Row, Ennis, Co. Clare.
Library Talks
As part of the Ennis Book Club Festival, Archivist Martin Morris will talk on the Papers of Maurice Walsh, author of The Quiet Man. This takes place at the DeValera Library on:
Saturday, 1st March, 9.30am - 10.15am.
At 12 noon on the same day University of Limerick lecturer, Dr. Michael Griffin, will talk on the 18th century Ennis poet, Thomas Dermody.
Information Display by Clare Supported Employment Service
Scariff Public Library
Wednesday, 20th February - Friday, 29th February
Community Games Art Competition
Entries will be on display in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon, from 9th - 28th of February 2008.
Photographic Exhibition
Bo Dzierwa, a native of Poland, presents a photographic Exhibition entitled 'Before Beginning', the theme of which is miscarriage.
The exhibition in Sean Lemass Public Library, Shannon will be opened by the Mayor of Clare, Cllr. Patricia McCarthy, at 6.00pm on Tuesday, 29th January. The exhibition will continue until 9th February.
An exhibition of black and white photos entitled 'Making Light of Hard Times' is being hosted by Scariff Public Library from 28 January to 23 February 2008.
The exhibition traces the rehearsal process and final performance of a group of young people from the Clare Youth Service Literacy Programme with London-based director Tony Maude and literacy tutor and producer Fionnuala Tuohy. The theme of the show was based on human responses to challenging situations and the photographs were taken by Ennis native Ray Conway.

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