We all get a whole extra day this month – and it’s tomorrow Saturday, February 29 – and the libaries in Mayo know exactly what you can do with it: pop your head into your local library.
If you’re an up-to-date member, you’ll know all about the things your library now does – everything from story times to DVD box sets to musical instruments.
But if you haven’t been to the library for a while, you may not be up to speed on the 3D printers (in Ballina and Castlebar libraries ), the lovely children’s areas and the huge range of ebooks and audiobooks that you can download to your phone or tablet. How much will all of this set you back?
That’s the best part – it’s all totally free. Even the fines have gone – so if happen to be a few days late leaving your books back, they won’t come after you spoiling for a fight.
Libraries Ireland, the folks who’ve been working hard to help us extend library services, have named this Saturday, February 29, as National Library Open Day and they’re encouraging everybody to take a closer look at what their library has to offer.
In Castlebar Library this weekend, for example, you can avail of a free hot drink when you show your library card (or sign up for one ) before 1pm. If you’re signing up for your first card, or renewing after a long lapse, just be sure to bring proof of your address, and they’ll be happy to give you a tour and show off all their treasures.
There’s face painting from 12 to 3.30pm, a story time for babies and toddlers (feel free to bring a cuddly toy ) at 10.15am, and two story sessions for those who want to dress up as their favourite character – at 12 noon and 3pm.
If you’re interested in the history of the area or in tracing your family tree, they will be be hosting two genealogy sessions: at 11am and 1.30pm. They’ll also be showing our 3D printer in action and demonstrating the simplicity of our ebooks, audiobooks and online magazines.
There will also be a display of some of the musical instruments that can be borrowed from the library (under 18s only! ) is sure to impress you, and you won’t believe how up-to-date we are with DVDs and box sets.
There are activities going on in many other Mayo library branches on Saturday also in Claremorris there are local history talks at 10am and 1pm. In Ballyhaunis it is a fun day for children – colouring, treasure trails and prizes for best entries. In Westport there will be Story Time sessions for children at 11am and 2pm; ukulele fun with Des Grealis and the Louisburgh School of Music Ukulele Club; slide show of Liam Lyons collection; and display of old maps.
In Ballina the Our Coasts, Our Voices – is a series of workshops for children focusing on fostering empathy and understanding about the environment at 10am and 11am. In the Jackie Clarke Collection, Ballina: Ireland’s Edge - a multi-disciplinary creative event bringing together a compelling range of voices spanning diverse disciplines and sectors. Ballinrobe library will have story time with Carmel Kelly at 12pm and in Belmullet they will have story time at 11.30am, while in Crossmolina they will host story time and craft session from 11am to 1pm.
