Funding to support a host of equipment, classes and activities in libraries across the country was announced last week, with local libraries to benefit.
An allocation of €10,260 was made to Cork County libraries for Sensory 22, a series of talks to be held regionally in libraries throughout Cork County by professional Occupational Therapists aimed at families, schools, and support organisations.
Monies allocated will allow for online content by professionals in Occupational Therapy and for the purchase and distribution of sensory toys to the 29 branches as part of the programme.
C-PENS for Cork County libraries were also funded, with a €4,825.56 allocation to purchase 20 C-PENS to assist people with SEN and disabilities and learning English.
€3,150 was also allocated to Cork County libraries for a one-year LOTE subscription. LOTE is translated and narrated digital e-books with audio options that engage immigrant, refugee and multi-lingual families. It will also assist students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties and children who need additional support for literacy development.
The West Waterford Story Collector Project 2022 received a significant sum of €13,540 through the scheme and will see elderly interviewees across West Waterford nominated as candidates for long-form ethnographic oral history interviews. As part of the programme, two large ‘Memory Events’ are to be held in West Waterford and Waterford City to disseminate the material collection in the programme.
A sum of €7,488 was allocated to Word Time – Dyslexia at Waterford libraries which is a 12-week high-quality course designed for primary school children with dyslexia who wish to develop their reading, spelling and comprehension skills.
Funding of €5,130.73 was allocated to Waterford libraries for the purchase of C-PENS while €7,438.11 was allocated to purchase 400 TTRS licenses and 30 Times Table Rock Stars licences.
Overall, some €700,000 in funding was announced for library supports by Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD on Thursday last, August 4.
The funding, under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan, is designed to assist libraries in reaching out to older people, children from disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities and other marginalised groups.
“The sort of innovative projects that are being funded under this initiative will create a more welcoming and engaging library experience for thousands of people.
“They will put our libraries at the forefront of reaching out to all members of the local community in which they serve,” Minister Humphreys said.
