Funding of €70,000 has been announced to provide a series of new library programmes across Cavan and Monaghan.
The funding is being provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan.
It's aimed at helping libraries in reaching out to older people, children from disadvantaged communities, and people with disabilities, and other marginalised groups.
Libraries in Cavan will receive more than €32,000, while libraries in Monaghan will receive an allocation of over €37,000.
Amongst the funding, €10,000 will go towards a project in Monaghan called 'Sensory Stories' that is for people with autism and sensory needs, while almost €8,000 will be spent in Cavan on equipment to assist children with low literacy levels or learning difficulties.
Announcing the funding, Minister Heather Humphreys paid tribute to local library staff "who play an important role in supporting communities".
A full break-down of the funding can be found below:
Cavan:
Build a Bodhran - 12-18 year olds from DEIS schools. Working with a master bodhrán player in assembling a drum from scratch and learn playing techniques along the way. €7,898.00
Ukulele & Vocal - 8-13 year olds from DEIS schools and families from new communities. Fun and interactive workshop series in which participants learn about sound composition, identifying colour notation, creating rhythms, exploring pitch & building & layering melodies. €3,080.00
The Arts Well - Early school leavers, Residents of deprived areas. Facilitators will deliver a ‘Wellbeing through the Arts’ programme for adult service users in recovery from addiction. Participants will use the arts experience to support and promote recovery. €7,480.00
Sensory Toys - Autistic children & adults, age friendly. Specialised selection of sensory toys/equipment for nine library branches designed to offer support to children and adults with learning difficulties, disabilities or more significant needs. €6,211
Touch Type Read & Spell Licences - National and Post-primary schools, Youthreach & other networks. One thousand TTRS licences for two years which assist children with low literacy levels, learning difficulties including dyslexia and dyspraxia. €7,740
Monaghan:
Sensory Stories - People with autism and sensory needs. Will engage educators/creative practitioners to develop and produce a high-quality programme, which will combine instructor-led learning & creative engagement, with face-to-face learning opportunities within the branch network through a series of talks and workshops. €10,000
Library Friendship Circle - Older people - Re-engage with older members of our community post COVID-19. Establish a Library Friendship Circle network. Collaborate with key partners and deliver programming: Digital, banking, creative & cultural, storytelling etc. €8,000
Outdoor sensory Garden - People with autism, Age Friendly groups and individuals Additional furnishings and planting for outdoor sensory area to meet the needs of all including those with sensory difficulties - €2,500
Fine motor skills equipment - People with autism , Age Friendly groups. Sensory equipment that includes beam lights, dark tents, motor sensory toys, suitable seating - €3,000
Portable Tovertafel 360 & Happiness Programme -People with autism , Age Friendly groups and individuals. A portable Tovertafel table that can be brought out into the community and other areas of our library space. €8,856
Nessy Licences - Individual children & Monaghan Family Support Network - 200 two year licences. Support schools literacy programme and parents/children learning to read at home. Collaborate with partners to promote reading over the summer months. €4,814.00
