Literacy is all about being able to read and write but it's more than just the basics. Literacy involves being able to enjoy the reading and writing process. To engage with books and stories and to allow them to enrich our lives. The 6th-10th May was Literacy Week at St. Aidan's. Our aim was to promote a love of reading and writing through different activites. D.E.A.R. Drop Everything And Read. Once a day, the whole school read at the same time for 10-15 minutes.  Take a Boo

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Two Books One Ballyfermot had its closing ceremony in the newly refurbished local library. All of the local schools participated, reading one of two books, either Michael Morpurgo's War Horse or Brian Gallagher's historically relevant book about the 1913 lockout, Across the Divide. It was a fantastic event with art work and reviews displayed. We were very lucky to have Brian launch and close the event, and he read from a new novel and spoke eloquently about how pleased he was to have his novel c

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Class Erne, first year, were very lucky this year to get the opportunity to work with a young actor who gave six excellent workshops, bringing them right through the process of working with drama, from thinking about stage set up, production, props, to intonation in reading, playing a role, animation in delivery and general participation. They got a huge amount from the six sessions and we'll definitely get Chris back to work with us again. A thoroughly worthwhile exercise, and a lot of fun too!

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As part of the World Book Day celebrations, the library at Riverasdale Community College ran a review competition.  Students were invited to write succinct reviews of their favourite library books, the winning entries to be displayed on the shlves next to  those books.  The entires were due in before the Easter Break, and over twenty reviews (from 17 students) were chosen.  The wining students were presented a 5EU book voucher.

On Thursday 18th April, Jungle Dave brought a number of exotic animals to Riversdale Community College.  All of the Junior Years (1st- - 3rd) were scheduled to visit the library over the course of the day, and a number of Seniors caught a glimpse too as they were passing. Highlights of the day were: Tony the (albino) Burmese Python, who was enormous and kept trying to stick his head under the librarian's armpit; the Gaiman Crocodile (whose name I forget) who had a very big "accident&q

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On March 7th 2013, Students at Riversdale Community College were invited to borrow books from the library during their lunch-break, in order to go into the draw for prizes.  Over seventy students made use of the facilities, and five Guinness Books of Records (2013) were presented to winning students on the same day.

Since the Easter Holidays, students at Riversdale Community College have been attanding chess club in the library.  There is enough space for twenty players, and students need to sign up in advance to be sure of a place.  Chess club is the only time students are allowed to eat in the library, and sandwiches that are ordered in advance are delivered early so that students can spend as much time playing as possible. So far the games have all been friendly, and players are encouraged to

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As part of our drive in Kylemore College to have our students research and use the library resources more effectively we gave our three second year classes a real treat by inviting in the Reptile Village Zoo to give them hands on experience of the animals they had been researching through geography and English classes. They were enthralled by the range of animals, from the Burmese python at 10 feet long, the dwarf caiman, tarantulas and scorpions, lizards and insects, tortoises and turtles. They

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Seachtain na Gaeilge Events Focal Point Irish play by TEAM Educational Theatre Company, Wednesday 6th March. Focal Point is a powerful exploration of a language that might be dying, a battle of wills between two passionate people, involving dictionary destruction, snogging revelations, the voice of Seán Ó Ríordán and the essence of words captured in a candle - a fluid melding of Irish and English. Even if you don't speak a focal, it will re-engage your passion for

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One of Ireland's greatest storytellers came to Larkin Library for the day and entertained students and staff alike with his mix of serious and comic tales.  The library was set up with long benches and candles, and each class that came in was allowed to request their favourite story.  First year library assistants were invaluable help in setting up the library and putting it back together again – and we are very grateful for all their  help!