A REVAMPED children’s library on the second floor of Kinsale Library has meant that the facility will be more welcoming and practical for young library users, according to the latest quarterly library report for both Bandon and Kinsale libraries.

The report, which was furnished to councillors at a recent meeting of the district, outlined events and developments at both state-of-the-art libraries.

Kinsale Library, located at the former 19th century grain store known as the Old Mill Building, won a prestigious RIAI (Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland) award last year, and also came third in the RIAI public choice award.

The report told how existing shelving was refitted to make the most of the natural light in the building, and kids are catered to with low-level shelving, and extra seating for the whole family.

‘Two sensory chairs were also added as part of this upgrade and while they are available to all, they will especially benefit those who need a quieter, more enclosed space to read and think.’

A proper library counter was also installed in the children’s area which gives more storage for material and processing book stock, while ‘Little Library Bags’ are also being collected from the library for children who started school in autumn.

It also reported that the My Open Library Service opened on May 26th, and allows library users who are registered with the scheme to use the branch after hours, seven days a week.

The report also outlined the regular events that place at the library both weekly and monthly, including Age Action Digital Skills Classes, Tots’ Time, a Knitting and Craft Group, a Poetry Group, an Adult Book Club, and Ciorcal Cainte.

Kinsale Library also recently partnered with Cancer Connect to deliver bags donated by Boston Scientific to local cancer patients, containing items that make the journey to hospital a bit more comfortable.

BANDON LIBRARY

Meanwhile, Bandon Library, located on the ground floor of the Primary Care Centre in the town, continues to host a wide variety of events.

Some of the weekly offerings include a Crafter Group, Ciorcal Cainte, the Wednesday 45 Club, Chess Club (during My Open Library hours), Tots’ Time, Mindful Fridays, and STEM Saturdays. Monthly events include the Creative Writing Group, Parkinson’s Support Group, Adult Book Club, Children’s Trading Card Swaps, and the Movie Club (during My Open Library
Hours). 

Other seasonal events that have taken place during this quarter include a Storytelling workshop in May, a Clay-Modelling workshop in June, as well as Shared Reading at Bandon Community Hospital.

Staff member Aoife visited the hospital to do shared reading with the patients there. Bandon Library also partnered with Cancer Connect to deliver bags donated by Boston Scientific, and Little Library Book bags were also collected from there.