Week of events to celebrate role of libraries

Some 200 libraries around the State will take part in Library Ireland Week this year.

The week, which will run from March 5th to 11th, was launched at the National Library of Ireland, Kildare Street, Dublin last night by author Colm Tóibín.

It is designed to celebrate the role of libraries, librarians and information professionals, not just in local-authority facilities, but in academic, workplace and specialist libraries as well.

The celebration, which is now in its fourth year, is organised by the Library Association of Ireland, the professional body representing libraries and librarianship in Ireland.

A new website (www.libraryirelandweek.ie) was also launched last night, where a list of events can be accessed and where posters and bookmarks can be downloaded. Events include exhibitions, tours, author visits, competitions and readings.

A spokeswoman for the week said the association hoped it would become an established annual event. "We are hoping members will make use of their local library and the people who are not members will join."

Included in the events is a competition run by Cork County Libraries. Library members will be asked to choose their favourite books of all time, and a top-10 list of children's and adults' favourites will be compiled.

Lucan Library in south Dublin is hosting aevent for crime lovers, with readings by Julie Parsons, Cormac Millar and Sheila Barrett. Ardkeen Library in Waterford city is having a Girls' Night In event, featuring authors Sarah Webb, Martina Devlin, Tina Reilly and Tara Heavey.