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New chapter for Bantry students with their own library space

July 28th, 2019 11:22 AM

By Jackie Keogh

Bantry students involved in the Read On project. (Photo: Ben Russell)

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A new library space has been created within Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí to facilitate students who are participating in an EU project called Read On.

A NEW library space has been created within Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí to facilitate students who are participating in an EU project called Read On.

The project, which runs until 2021, has also led to the school forging a much stronger connection with the town library.

Read On is geared towards first, and second, year students, as well as those in transition year, and it is supported by West Cork Music, a local organisation that not only runs the West Cork Chamber Music Festival but also Bantry’s literary festival – an event which got underway earlier this month.

As part of the project, professionals within both the County Library services and West Cork Music guide the students in their choice of books.

By setting aside time and space for the simple pleasure of reading, it also helps get young people to switch off their digital devices.

Read On not only encourages a diverse range of books, it also features interviews with authors, workshops on how to create one’s own graphic novel, and time out to listen to podcasts about all aspects of writing.

Coláiste Pobail Bheanntraí gives students an opportunity to immerse themselves in books for pleasure, not just for study.

Local librarian, Kristin Gleeson, visits the schools with an assortment of books and listens to what the teenagers have to say before making a recommendation based on their interests.

The students say they are loving it and that they find it ‘relaxing.’ There has been great support from the staff, too, who recognise the important of reading as a developmental tool.

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Bandon Co-Op is delighted to be involved with and supporting many local community groups all over West Cork. This video encapsulates some of the wonderful people that we have the pleasure of dealing with #TogetherStrongerWestCork

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