Skip to content

Library Service

By Waterford City & County Council

Press Photographers Association of Ireland (PPAI) exhibition at Waterford Ardkeen Library

The 44th annual ‘Press Photographer of the Year Awards’, the annual awards of the Press Photographers Association of Ireland, were announced earlier this year in February during a specially directed live Zoom awards ceremony presented by broadcaster Miriam O’Callaghan alongside Paul Sherwood, the then President of the Press Photographers Association of Ireland. The event saw photographers from all across Ireland honoured and recognised for excellence in press photography, during a year of many highs and lows.

An exhibition of this work, which has been touring various libraries and venues around the country throughout the year, is now on show in Waterford’s Ardkeen Library from Wednesday 28th September, until Thursday 20th October, when it’ll then move to Kinsale.

The ‘Press Photographer of the Year’ title was awarded, for the second year in a row, to James Crombie of Inpho Photography, whose portfolio the judges cited as “the outstanding portfolio of the awards”. James received three category awards – first prize in Nature and the Environment, for what the judges coined as “picture of the year”, ‘Murmuration’ which beautifully captured a starling murmuration creating the shape of a bird over Lough Ennell, third place in Daily Life and People for his image ‘Fishing’ taken on Lough Corrib, Co. Galway and third place in Sports Feature for ‘Golden Moment’, a very emotional image of Kellie Harrington as she celebrated with her gold medal at the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The awards, which were presented across ten categories, were opened with a special address by An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D. and featured appearances by a host of other well-known personalities and stars including Emily O’Reilly, Neven Maguire, Robbie Henshaw, Eve McCrystal, Colm Stafford Johnson, Panti Bliss and Dearbhail McDonald.

During his address, An Taoiseach, Micheál Martin T.D., said; “The past year has seen the Irish people live through extraordinary times, with a sense of resilience and solidarity that we can be rightly proud of. The award-winning photographs celebrated today capture moments of great drama, joy, beauty, and all the rich diversity of life. I want to acknowledge the tremendous contribution that press photographers have made over the past year, and many years before that. Congratulations to all the winners and nominees”.

Speaking about the awards in February, Paul Sherwood, the then President of the Press Photographers Association of Ireland, said; “Despite another very challenging year for the association’s members as a result of the ongoing Covid situation, there was still an excellent level and quality of entries to this year’s competition for our judges to select from. James Crombie, last year’s winner of the Press Photographer of the Year Award, has deservedly retained the title this year and his superb portfolio was topped off by his now iconic image of the starling murmuration over Lough Ennell. Congratulations go to James, the other category winners and all those members whose images make up the exhibition”.

Almost 1,400 images were submitted by 100 photographers for this year’s awards and judging was deliberated online again this year, led by chair of the judging panel, former Irish Times picture editor, Frank Miller, alongside judges Eddie Keogh, International Sports Photographer and Helen Healy, Dublin native and Head of Pictures at the Financial Times and multimedia category judges Philip Bromwell, Broadcaster and Michael Lee, former RTÉ cameraman.

 

Ends

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries awarded €33,597 funding for Library Supports

 

 

 

 

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, and Minister of State with responsibility for Community Development and Charities, Joe O’Brien TD, have today (Thursday 4th August 2022) announced €700,000 in funding for library supports.

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.

Waterford Libraries has been awarded €33,597 in the latest round of funding.  The funding will help in the provision of programmes and equipment such as Touch Type Read & Spell, a multi-sensory course that teaches touch-typing to help children and adults improve their reading and spelling skills; C-Pens, line text scanners for those with reading difficulties, and Times Table Rock Star, an application that makes maths fun to learn. Waterford has also received funding to continue the Story Collecting Oral History project which has been running successfully for the past two years across the County.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said, “I am delighted today to announce €700,000 in funding to libraries across the country. 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. I would really encourage families to look at the projects being funding in their own county.”

Jane Cantwell, Waterford City and County Librarian, Waterford City and County Council, welcomed the funding.  “We are delighted to be included in the latest round of Library Supports funding for Marginalised, Socially Excluded and Disadvantaged Communities.  The programmes that will be put in place as a result of the funding, will galvanise our wide range of dyslexia-friendly services at our branches and allow us to continue collect the great stories that Waterford people have to tell across the city and county.”

Commenting on the funding, Minister O’Brien said, “I am delighted to approve these projects under the 2022 Dormant Accounts Action Plan. The projects are diverse in nature and target a multiplicity of groups including the Traveller community, Ukrainians displaced by war, residents of Direct Provision Centres and the elderly. There is also funding for groups working to provide autism supports, and groups working with hearing and visually impaired communities, prisoners and people with learning differences such as dyslexia. This funding package will build on the excellent projects which have been delivered over the past three years and also help our public libraries to continue to foster community well-being and build community cohesion in their role as community hubs.”

The Funding complements over €3.1 million announced by Minister Humphreys recently for major expansion of My Open Library which saw Tramore Library benefitting to the tune of  €225,859, while Dungarvan and Lismore Libraries were granted €52,672 and €33,379 respectively for the upgrade of the existing ‘My Open Library’ services.

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries awarded over €300,000 for ‘My Open Library’ initiatives

Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD, has announced an investment of over €3.1 million in 46 library branches across the country.

Some €2.2 million in funding will be provided to roll-out the ‘My Open Library’ initiative in a further 17 branches – which will allow people to access their local library outside of normal opening hours, with Tramore benefitting to the tune of  €225,859. Dungarvan and Lismore Libraries have been granted €52,672 and €33,379 respectively for the upgrade of the existing ‘My Open Library’ services.

Kieran Kehoe, Director of Services, Waterford City and County Council said, “With an overall investment of over €250,000, the highest allocation in the Country in this category, I am particularly delighted that the community of Tramore will now get to experience the benefits of the service too as the funding will facilitate the rollout of ‘My Open Library’. This is a wonderful initiative which has proven phenomenally successful in Dungarvan, and the additional funding to it and Lismore will further enhance the ‘My Open Library’ services in the area.”

“Tramore Library prides itself on providing an exemplary service to the community, but now the provision of longer opening hours coupled with a transformational upgrade to the building itself will make the library a landmark public building in Tramore, as well as making it more accessible to a large cohort who can’t ordinarily visit during normal opening hours.”

Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. John O’Leary welcomed the investment stating that it will further enhance Tramore Library’s public service offering.  “As a burgeoning town, inhabitants of and visitors to Tramore will be able to take full advantage of the wide range of services available from the library at a time that suits them.”

Minister Humphreys made the announcement at World Library Congress in Dublin. The event is hosting approximately 1700 delegates from 100 countries.

Announcing the €3.1 million investment, Minister Humphreys said, “I’m really pleased to support 46 library branches right across the country with an investment of €3.1 million. This funding will see the roll-out of the ‘My Open Library’ initiative in a further 17 branches – ensuring thousands more members can access their local library outside of normal opening hours. This initiative allows people to avail of self-service library services between the hours of 8am and 10pm, seven days per week. And I’m also pleased today to announce funding to further improve facilities in 29 branches that have already embraced the ‘My Open Library’ initiative.”

The Minister concluded, “’My Open Library’ is the flagship initiative under the current Public Libraries Strategy ‘Our Public Libraries 2022 – Inspiring, Connecting and Empowering Communities’. It will also form an important part of the successor to the current public library strategy which my Department is currently working on. I would like to thank all those that took the time to respond to the recent public consultation on the development of the new strategy. I look forward to considering these responses and to the opening of further ‘My Open Library’ facilities into the future.”

-ENDS-

By Waterford City & County Council

ikon Design Conference and SETU Design Degree Showcase

Europe Direct Waterford would like to invite you to join us for:

·       iKon Design Conference, Wed 25 May 11am – 1:20pm (Online) Register here for the link: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/ikon-design-conference-tickets-344331945117

iKon is a is a student-led Design Conference the theme is Design Identity and Creativity and we are delighted to welcome four design education and industry speakers:

·       Prof Brenda Murphy, Malta University -Design Thinking

·       Kim Makensie Doyle, Big Ideas- Creativity and innovation

·       Sarah Bowie, Illustrator/Designer/Educator

·       Gerard Whelan, Creative Director and MD Brandcentral, Dublin-Copenhagen

The conference will be live streamed from The Hub, Central Library on Wednesday 25th May from 11am – 1:20pm.

The conference is a partnership between SETU, Waterford Libraries and Europe Direct Waterford and is made possible with support from the SETU Growth Hub and Creative Waterford.

This is a free event and open to all.

The New European Bauhaus is a creative and interdisciplinary initiative that connects the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences.

The online conference will be followed by the opening of the BA (H) Design (Visual Communication) Final Year Degree Showcase from SETU at 6:30pm in The Index Gallery, Central Library. All welcome to attend. The exhibition will be opened by The Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Joe Kelly.   

By Waterford City & County Council

INVITIATON: ‘The People We Grow Up to Be’ Lunchtime Concert

We are delighted to invite you to a lunchtime concert on Tuesday May 10th  12.30pm to 1.30pm in Christ Church Cathedral, celebrating ‘The People we Grow Up to Be’, an Intergenerational music project between the children of Kilmacthomas National School and Waterford Libraries’ Bealtaine Choir.

‘The People we Grow Up to Be’  was initiated by Music Generation Waterford and Waterford Libraries, the aim of the project was to create an intergenerational collaborative experience using music and song to share stories, express feelings and explore mutual connections within the community while enabling a positive ageing and mental wellbeing for younger and older people. The concert will include songs from the project sung by the children and choir, alongside readings by Lani O’Hanlon and young classical guitarists from Kilmacthomas National School.

The project was funded by the Creative Ireland Programme, Waterford

In your own time you are also invited to visit the project exhibition which is currently on display in the Index Gallery Central Library, Lady Lane until 18 May.

Please RSVP:

sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie  / 087 3637119

This event is also part of our Waterford Libraries’ Bealtaine Festival celebrations – Ireland’s national celebration of the arts and creativity as we age.

By Waterford City & County Council

INVITIATON: ‘The People We Grow Up to Be’ Lunchtime Concert

We are delighted to invite you to a lunchtime concert on Tuesday May 10th  12.30pm to 1.30pm in Christ Church Cathedral, celebrating ‘The People we Grow Up to Be’, an Intergenerational music project between the children of Kilmacthomas National School and Waterford Libraries’ Bealtaine Choir.

‘The People we Grow Up to Be’  was initiated by Music Generation Waterford and Waterford Libraries, the aim of the project was to create an intergenerational collaborative experience using music and song to share stories, express feelings and explore mutual connections within the community while enabling a positive ageing and mental wellbeing for younger and older people. The concert will include songs from the project sung by the children and choir, alongside readings by Lani O’Hanlon and young classical guitarists from Kilmacthomas National School.

The project was funded by the Creative Ireland Programme, Waterford

In your own time you are also invited to visit the project exhibition which is currently on display in the Index Gallery Central Library, Lady Lane until 18 May.

Please RSVP:

sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie  / 087 3637119

This event is also part of our Waterford Libraries’ Bealtaine Festival celebrations – Ireland’s national celebration of the arts and creativity as we age.

By Waterford City & County Council

Creative Waterford “Open Call” 2022 Grants announced


Students at Ursuline Primary School making murals with artist Caoilfhionn Hanton.
Photographer: Joe Evans

Twelve grants have been allocated to a range of community groups, organisations and individuals in Waterford City and County. Successful applicants to the Creative Waterford Open Call 2022 scheme were notified of funding allocations in late March.

Katherine Collins, Creative Waterford Coordinator said “Communities and individuals are invited to see themselves as co-creators of their own cultural and creative experiences and to mobilise communities of interest. Creative Waterford encourages new, ambitious, and meaningful collaborations between people and communities, and professionals such as artists, archaeologists, historians, archivists and everyone else involved in the culture and creative sectors within Waterford. We are delighted to work with these projects and are excited to see how they develop during the year.”

Grants were awarded to:

  • Caoilfhionn Hanton, An Intersectional Waterford: €3,000.00
  • Walton Institute, WIT, Re-Fashioning the Future: €5,000
  • Calmast, Ballybricken Spoken Word Project: €6,000
  • Garter Lane Art Centre, The Voice of Young People (Working Title): €7,250
  • Mercy School, Healing Arts Week 2022: €5,000
  • Waterford Film Centre, Community film projects : ‘Imbolg’ and ‘The Check Out Girl’: €7,250
  • Waterford Pride, Pride of the Déise Festival 2022: €3,500
  • Waterford Healing Arts Trust, No Place Like Home: €2,500
  • Theatre Royal, Creating Green Shoots @ Theatre Royal: €5,000
  • SLí Waterford, Street Art for the Goals: €4,500
  • Jenny Fennessy, Acting workshops with amateur drama groups in Waterford City and County: €4,000.00
  • Market House Craftworks, Cappoquin “New Reality” A Festival of Contemporary Collage in Ireland: €3,000.00

Visual artist, Caoilfhoinn Hanton said “An Intersectional Waterford is the kind of project I have wanted to materialise for many years now. Being a young adult currently studying visual art but having began my professional practice and been mentored by Dublin artists since I was 16, I feel I can still relate to the younger generation but am more equipped now to deliver such a project.”

Jenny Fennessy said “We will deliver acting workshops to amateur drama groups in Waterford City and County. We will teach a wide variety of acting skills and techniques and participants will work on a great range of texts to practice their new skills. By the end of the workshop, we would hope the members feel empowered to take on characters and parts in plays in a more skilful way. Our aim is that these skills will be passed from us to them and from them to future members of the drama group.”

According to Aileen Drohan, “Re-Fashioning the Future brings together a community of traditional textile craft practitioners with technical driven experts from Walton Institute’s new E-Textiles Lab. Through peer-to-peer knowledge sharing workshops, the group will actively

engage in a collaborative exploration and investigation of electronic textiles, carried out utilising a sewable range of electronic components, conductive fabrics, and threads.

In keeping alive the old traditional craft methods, all the while embracing new methods of e-textile making for smart textiles, the workshop participants will extend their newly acquired skills through an additional series of workshops to wider community groups. Re-Fashioning the Future’ aims to foster a network of e-textile practitioners and provide over 100 traditional craft/textile makers with the technical skills and know-how to embed electronic circuitry in textiles for creative outputs with added functionality.”

ENDS

Note to editors:

Creative Ireland is a five-year Programme which connects people, creativity and wellbeing. Creative Communities is a local authority-led initiative which pioneers and supports local creative projects in arts, heritage, local history, STEAM and the creative industries.

Please contact Katherine Collins, Creative Waterford Coordinator
087 9268520
kcollins@waterfordcouncil.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Ag tosnú an tseachtain seo : Rannta le Chéile i nDún Garbhán

Beidh dhá sheisiún Rannta Le Chéile, rannta agus amhráin as Gaeilge do theaghlaigh le leanaí óga (0-4) ar siúl i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán gach Mháirt ag 10:30 agus 11:10 ag tosnú ar 5 Aibreán . Spásanna teoranta. Cuirfear spásanna ar fáil saor in aisce de réir mar a thagann daoine gach seachtain. Eagraithe ag Teanga Tí, rannóg teaghlaigh Ghlór na nGael i dteannta le Leabharlanna Phort Láirge.

Gach eolas ar fáil ó Cabríní de Barra ar 083 445 5914 nó cabrini@glornangael.ie

There will be two sessions of Rannta le Chéile, rhymes and songs through Irish for families with young children (0-4) in Dungarvan Library every Tuesday at 10:30 & 11:10, starting from 5th April. Spaces limited. Spaces will be provided free of charge on a first come, first served basis every week. Organised by Teanga Tí, the family division of Glór na nGael and Waterford Libraries.

Further information available from Cabríní de Barra on 083 445 5914 or cabrini@glornangael.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Rannta le Chéile i nDún Garbhán

Beidh dhá sheisiún Rannta Le Chéile, rannta agus amhráin as Gaeilge do theaghlaigh le leanaí óga (0-4) ar siúl i Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán gach Mháirt ag 10:30 agus 11:10 ag tosnú ar 5 Aibreán . Spásanna teoranta. Cuirfear spásanna ar fáil saor in aisce de réir mar a thagann daoine gach seachtain. Eagraithe ag Teanga Tí, rannóg teaghlaigh Ghlór na nGael i dteannta le Leabharlanna Phort Láirge.

Gach eolas ar fáil ó Cabríní de Barra ar 083 445 5914 nó cabrini@glornangael.ie

There will be two sessions of Rannta le Chéile, rhymes and songs through Irish for families with young children (0-4) in Dungarvan Library every Tuesday at 10:30 & 11:10, starting from 5th April. Spaces limited. Spaces will be provided free of charge on a first come, first served basis every week. Organised by Teanga Tí, the family division of Glór na nGael and Waterford Libraries.

Further information available from Cabríní de Barra on 083 445 5914 or cabrini@glornangael.ie

By Waterford City & County Council

Furniture up-cycling workshop with The Revamp Tramp

Monday 21 March online 7pm – 8pm Live Furniture up-cycling workshop with Marianne Heaphy from The Revamp Tramp

In this workshop Marianne will upcycle a small bedside locker using different techniques.

Firstly participants will learn how to correctly prepare the locker for upcycling.

  • You will follow Marianne as she paints the furniture, achieving a beautiful spray like finish.
  • To follow on after painting, she will demonstrate how to apply Decoupage using napkins and Wallpaper.
  • To finish the locker she will show different options on revamping hardware.

Marianne will also go through all the materials that are needed and where to get them from locally.

An email handout will be available to all participants after the workshop.

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/live-furniture-upcycling-workshop-tickets-294547077237

By Waterford City & County Council

‘Climate Action – What can I do?’ Series of FREE online talks

Europe Direct Waterford, Waterford Libraries and Waterford City and County Council’s Environment Department have joined forces to host a week of free online events from March 21st to March 26th.  The events will explore what action we can all take to contribute to the Waterford and National Climate Action Plans to create a better local and national environment for the present and the future.

The European Commission’s proposal to cut greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030 sets Europe on a responsible path to becoming climate neutral by 2050.  All sectors of the economy and society can contribute, join us to find out how we can come together to achieve this goal.  All talks are free but booking is essential. All can be booked on the Europe Direct Waterford Eventbrite page or find out more at www.waterfordlibraries.ie

Monday 21 March online 7pm – 8pm Live Furniture up-cycling workshop with Marianne Heaphy from The Revamp Tramp

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/live-furniture-upcycling-workshop-tickets-294547077237

Lunchtime lectures:

Active Travel – Are our Communities ready?

A Talk by James Murray (Senior Engineer, Waterford City & County Council) on how Active Travel can impact climate change through schemes like Permeability measures in local communities

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/active-travel-are-our-communities-ready-tickets-294603054667

21 March 1pm – 1:30pm

The impact of climate change on coastal heritage: some examples from the Waterford coast

A Talk by Dr Edward Pollard archaeological researcher on the CHERISH Project based at The Discovery Programme: Centre for Archaeology and Innovation Ireland in Dublin.

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/the-impact-of-climate-change-on-waterfords-coastal-heritage-tickets-271410344647

Tuesday 22 March 1pm – 1:30pm

What can I do to help the pollinators?

A Talk by Kate Chandler from the National Biodiversity Data Centre

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/what-can-i-do-to-help-pollinators-tickets-294407941077

Wednesday 23 March 1pm – 1:30pm

Wildflower Workshop with Horticulturist Aoife Munn

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/wildflower-workshop-with-horticulturist-aoife-munn-tickets-294540367167

Thursday 24 March 1pm – 1:30pm

Grow your own Food – How to get started with GIY’s Mick Kelly

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/growing-your-own-food-how-to-get-started-with-giys-michael-kelly-tickets-294505091657

Friday 25 March 1pm – 1:30pm

The CHERISH EXHIBITION will run in the Index Gallery, Central Library from March 14th to April 2nd.  CHERISH is a team of archaeologists, geologists and geographers studying the effects of climate change on coastal and maritime heritage in Ireland and Wales. From the skies, at the coast edge, and beneath the waves they are using the latest technologies including planes, drones and sonar to carry out research. They are monitoring recent and long-term change to reveal the past and present impacts of weather and climate on our rich cultural heritage.

The work of CHERISH involves investigating archaeological sites and environments around our coasts including shipwrecks, promontory forts, wetlands and sand dunes. The twenty-nine promontory forts on Waterford’s Copper Coast have been a focus of CHERISH Project research.  The CHERISH Project is funded through the Ireland-Wales Programme 2014-2020, part of the European Regional Development Fund, which focuses on seeking solutions to shared challenges on both sides of the Irish Sea. The project will receive €4.9 million, and will run until June 2023.  To find out more visit www.CHERISHProject.eu

Climate action is at the heart of the European Green Deal, an ambitious package of measures ranging from ambitiously cutting greenhouse gas emissions, to investing in cutting-edge research and innovation, to preserving Europe’s natural environment.  Fighting climate change and achieving the transition to a climate-neutral society will require significant investments, research and innovation, new ways of producing and consuming, and changes in the way we work, use transport and live together. Join us during our Climate Action Week to find out what you can do.

The Europe Direct Waterford Centre is based in Central Library in Waterford City. It is part of a community of 424 Europe Direct centres around Europe whose purpose is to reinforce the important connection between EU institutions and citizens.

-ENDS-

For more information contact:

Sinead O’Higgins, Manager, Central Library and Europe Direct Waterford
sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie
087 3637119

By Waterford City & County Council

Break the Bias – Waterford 3rd Global Women’s Conference for International Women’s Day

Break the Bias – Waterford’s 3rd Global Women’s Conference to mark International Women’s Day is organised by Europe Direct Waterford, Waterford Integration Services and Waterford Libraries and will take place in The Theatre Royal, Waterford City on Tuesday 8 March from 10:30am – 12noon.

All are welcome to attend. Tickets for the event are free and can be booked here:

https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/break-the-bias-waterfords-3rd-global-womens-conference-tickets-267727238377

Speakers and Performers:

  • Magda Boulabiza from European Network Against Racism, Brussels.
  • Dalal Sayed who has written her story Escape from war to live in peace as an Syrian Refugee who now lives with her family in Cappoquin, Co. Waterford. Her mentor, writer and Lani O’Hanlon will also speak.
  • Osas Iyamu Usideme, Waterford Integration Services, Intercultural Health Advocate and performer
  • Anne Woodworth, Director of the Bealtaine Library Choir will speak on wellness in older people.
  • Cora Kearney founder of the Positive Ability Network
  • Ciara Fitzgibbon, Student
  • Minnie Marley, Singer Songwriter
  • Sarah Benson from Women’s Aid (recorded message)
  • Dee Jacques, MC

#BreakTheBias  #IDW2022

By Waterford City & County Council

Break the Bias – Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference

Join us for Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference

Do you want to Break the Bias this International Women’s Day?

Next Tuesday (8th March) Waterford Integration Services, Europe Direct Waterford and Waterford Libraries are coming together on International Women’s Day to host Break the Bias – Waterford’s Third Global Women’s Conference a morning with an inspirational line-up of women. This event will take place in the Theatre Royal from 10:30am – 12noon. Tickets are FREE and can be booked on the Waterford Europe Direct Eventbrite page or you can call into your local library for more details.

The very special line-up of speakers and performers will include Waterford writers Dalal Sayed and Lani O’Hanlon, Magda Boulabiza from European Network Against Racism, Health Advocate and performer Osas Iyamu Usideme, Director of the Bealtaine Library Choir Anne Woodworth, members of the Bealtaine Library Choir, singer-songwriter Minnie Marley as well as Cora Kearney founder of the Positive Ability Network, student Ciara Fitzgibbon and Sarah Benson CEO of Women’s Aid will record a short message for the event. Programme Lead at Waterford Integration Services Anne Nolan will MC the event which will highlight and celebrate women’s achievements.

International Women’s Day reminds us that whether deliberate or unconscious, bias makes it difficult for women to move ahead. Knowing that bias exists isn’t enough; action is needed to level the playing field. Individually, we’re all responsible for our own thoughts and actions – all day, every day. We can imagine a gender equal world, a world free of bias, stereotypes, and discrimination.

We can strive for a world that is diverse, equitable, and inclusive and a world where difference is valued and celebrated. Together we can forge women’s equality. We can all choose to seek out and celebrate women’s achievements. Collectively, we can all help create an inclusive world. Collectively we can all #BreakTheBias on International Women’s Day (IWD) and beyond. This is a free event but booking is essential: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/break-the-bias-waterfords-3rd-global-womens-conference-tickets-267727238377

Join the conversation #BreakTheBias #IDW2022

The Europe Direct Waterford Centre is based in Central Library in Waterford City. It is part of a community of 424 Europe Direct centres around Europe whose purpose is to reinforce the important connection between EU institutions and citizens The Europe Direct network provides timely and factual information on European matters, but also seek to engage with citizens regarding the state and future of the European Union. You can find out more at: @eudirect on Facebook and Twitter.

ENDS

For more information contact:

Sinead O’Higgins, Manager Central Library and Europe Direct Waterford. sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie / 087 3637119

By Waterford City & County Council

Waterford Libraries return to full opening hours from Monday 7th March

Picture: Patrick Browne

Waterford Libraries return to regular Opening Hours after pandemic

Waterford Libraries is pleased to return to full hours and full services from Monday March 7th.

National restrictions on library visits and branch events are now lifted so library staff will resume all library book clubs, story-times, class visits and talks.

Staff would also like to remind the public to be respectful of other members as we return to regular library service and be aware that some library patrons will still need to maintain distancing and/or mask wearing for health reasons.

Jane Cantwell, City & County Librarian with Waterford Libraries explained that getting back to interacting with the public is a welcome move.  “It is hugely important part of our job. Our in-house events have been sorely missed, both by our staff and by the general public. However, we were very lucky to be able to facilitate our members throughout the pandemic, where they could still use our online resources, but that said we are looking forward to injecting life and learning back into Waterford Libraries branches.”

Jane continued, “We are proud of the efforts of our staff during the pandemic, particularly when we operated the Covid Community Response Helpline, but the announcement that we are returning to full opening hours is a sure sign of life returning to normal.  We look forward to welcoming our members to our twelve branches across the City and County and to being able to offer our full array of services. “

Central Library, Carrickphierish Library, Ardkeen Library, Lismore Library and Dungarvan Library are resuming lunchtime opening.  Browns Road Library, Kilmacthomas Library, Cappoquin Library and Portlaw Library are returning to their full opening of three days a week.

The libraries at Ardkeen, Carrickphierish, Central Library and Dungarvan are introducing one morning a week of Community Hours on a trial basis. These mornings are perfect for groups and school tours to access our branches while the branch is closed to the general public.  Please contact your local branch to arrange a visit for your group or class during our Community Hours.

Full details of all branch opening hours can be found at www.waterfordlibraries.ie

Latest News
Made in Waterford and hosted in the EU :)