Christmas Window Display by the Knit & Natter Group at Dunmanway Library
Everyone at Cork County Council Library and Arts Service would like to wish all our library members and visitors a very Happy Christmas!
There will be lots of Christmas-themed events and activities taking place in our branches in the run up to big day, so we hope to see you all before then!
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Official Opening of Kinsale Library
(L-R) Valerie O'Sullivan, Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Rural and Community Development, Cllr Frank O'Flynn, Mayor of the County of Cork
Kinsale's new library was officially opened by the Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Frank O’Flynn and Minister for Rural and Community Development, Heather Humphreys TD on Thursday November 30th.
The premises had previously been an old mill known as the James O'Neill Building and has now been transformed into a state-of-the-art library thanks to investment from Cork County Council and the Department of Rural and Community Development.
Kinsale Library is open to the public Tuesday to Saturday from 9.30am - 5.30pm. The library offers a wide range of materials for lending to adults, young adults, and children. Free Wi-Fi access is available to members and a range of services including Study Spaces, Public Computers, Photocopying and Remote Printing.
Kinsale Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Library Ireland Week 2023
 Library Ireland Week 2023 takes place from Sunday December 3rd to Saturday December 9th.
The theme of this year’s week is "Your Library, Your Universe: Libraries are for Everyone". Library Ireland Week, which is organised by the Library Association of Ireland, raises the profile of libraries and information service staff, and showcases their resources, facilities, events and services through dedicated programmes and events. It is a celebration of libraries and the people who work in libraries throughout Ireland celebrating their dedication, commitment and influence on the individuals and communities they serve.
This year the theme focuses on how libraries in Ireland are democratic, open and welcoming places for everyone. They nurture their communities, foster learning and education, encourage creativity, promote our country’s heritage and provide places of refuge from a hectic world.
Libraries across County Cork will be showcasing all the services they offer, as well as hosting events and activities to celebrate the week so keep an eye on our social media pages to see if anything is happening in a library branch near you!
Family Time at Your Library
 Family time at Your Library is a programme that encourages people of all ages to take time out from the hustle and bustle in the run up to the holidays and spend some quality time together in their local library.
Whether that is to read together, attend a story or tots time session, play board games, build Lego, assemble jigsaw puzzles, colour, draw on the interactive whiteboards, create Christmas crafts, etc., Family Time at your Library events aim to support a family-focused approach to reading with children as part of the national Right to Read programme and to increase awareness of the benefits of reading and promote reading as a fun, recreational activity for children.
Don’t forget to check out our social media pages for details of upcoming Family Time events.
Christmas Toy Swap at Cobh Library
Friday December 8th from 1pm - 4pm
Bring, take and have a green Christmas! Bring up to 5 toys in good condition and take what you need!
Cobh Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Christmas Crafts for Kids at Dunmanway Library
Thursdays December 7th and 14th at 3.30pm
For children aged 6-10 years old.
Booking is required so please contact Dunmanway Library by phoning 023 8855411 or by emailing dunmanway.library@corkcoco.ie
Dunmanway Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Christmas Storytime at Dunmanway Library
Saturday December 16th at 11.30am
Join us for Christmas stories, songs, and fun! Suitable for children aged 4-7 years old.
Make sure to wear your Christmas jumpers and Santa hats!
Every Saturday in December, there will also be board games and LEGO free play so the library will be a perfect place to spend time with your family this month.
Dunmanway Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Christmas Storytime and Party at Midleton Library
Saturday December 16th from 3pm - 4pm
Join us for a special Christmas storytime with Andrea, family fun games and more.
No need to book, all are welcome!
Midleton Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Christmas Storytime at Newmarket Library
Saturday December 16th at 11.30am
Come along and celebrate Christmas Family Fun Day at Newmarket Library with a festive storytime!
All are welcome!
Newmarket Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Children's Christmas Craft Workshop at Youghal Library
Saturday December 16th at 2.30pm
For children aged 10 plus.
The children will make Christmas decorations - a Christmas tree, snowman and bauble - using felt and decorate them with embroidery stitches and beads.
All materials will be provided.
Booking is essential so please contact Youghal Library by phoning 024-93459 or by emailing youghal.library@corkcoco.ie
Youghal Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Festive Fitness Art Competition - Healthy Ireland
 Going to be taking part in some festive fitness activities this year? The Healthy Ireland at Your Library team are inviting children across the county to draw a picture of what they’re doing to keep them active this Christmas.
From cycling in Cobh, to Football in Fermoy, it can be anything that gets you moving!
Open to children aged 12 and under. Entry forms will be available to collect from your local Cork County library branch from Tuesday December 12th and need to be returned by Saturday January 13th.
Some lucky entries will also win a prize!
Christmas Podcasts by the Local Studies Library
 If an excess of television repeats and various seasonal overindulgences cause the Twelve Days of Christmas to drag why not take time and listen to some Local Studies Library podcasts on that most wonderful time of the year.
“Christmas Traditions of Cork” offers a selection of Cork traditions varying from the amusing to the intensely moving.
“Visiting Santa” traces the evolution of the “Santy“ visit from its simple origins to the more elaborate modern set-up.
“Shopping Traditions of December 8th" shows how the onset of online shopping has not diminished the importance of that day as a county wide focal point of Christmas shopping.
A new podcast that we are working on “Cork Street Games” is a detailed nostalgia piece about how youngsters in bygone times devised enjoyable, affordable entertainment in an era that many hanker back to during Yuletide. The podcasts, which can be accessed through www.corklocalstudies.ie, reflect the wealth of information available on the subject of Christmas at the Local Studies Library, Carrigrohane Straight, Cork.
A wide selection of podcasts covering many other topics are also available. You can contact the Local Studies Library by phoning 021-4285640 or by emailing localstudieslibrary@corkcoco.ie
Get to Know Skibbereen Library
Skibbereen Library
About Us
Skibbereen Library is located on North Street, Skibbereen, Co. Cork. Parking is available at the Church Car Park and several other options within easy walking distance. Our opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday, from 9.30am to 5.30pm. Skibbereen Library is staffed by Sharon, Veronica, Jim, Margaret, Mary, and Gina. You can contact us by phone 028-22400 or email skibbereen.library@corkcoco.ie
A bit of History
Skibbereen library was originally the Bishop Kelly Technical School and was officially opened as the new Skibbereen library in April 1992 at a cost of €600,000. It replaced the old library at Bridge Street which had served the people of Skibbereen for the previous forty years.
The building was purchased in 1983 on behalf of Cork County Council and Council Architect Billy Houlihan designed the new building. The work was carried out by Murnane & O’Shea Building Contractor, Bantry. The now retired County Librarian Ms Ruth Flanagan worked tirelessly to bring the project to fruition. The new library with a floor space of 2,500 sq. ft was officially opened by the then Chairman of Cork County Council Mr. John Cal McCarthy in April 1992. Three staff members were employed to run the library. The late Kate Coveney was branch manager and Kate was ably assisted by local ladies Mary Sheehy and Margaret O’Donovan. Both Mary and Margaret are still part of the staff to this day.
 Clubs and Societies
We have many clubs and groups to offer you at Skibbereen Library for both children and adults. To enquire about joining any of our groups, just ask a member of staff, email us at skibbereen.library@corkcoco.ie or call us on 028 22400. We would also love to hear any suggestions about events or clubs that we may be able to host.
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For Adults:
- Book Clubs
- Creative Writing
- Knitting
- Poetry Circle
- Art Exhibitions
For Children:
- Storytimes
- Lego Club
- Pokémon Card Swaps
- Board Game Days
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Throughout the year we hold various events and talks. These are advertised on local notice boards, our newsletter and Cork County Library’s social media pages.
We have three public PC’s and offer remote printing and photocopying services. Newspapers and magazines are available daily.
Upcoming Events:
Ann Martin’s Art will be on display for the month of December.
Family Time at your Library will be celebrated throughout December with Board Game fun, Christmas Storytime, Lego at your Library & Pokémon Card Swaps.
There is a beautiful outdoor courtyard with giant Jenga & Connect 4 and a sensory area to suit everyone.
Why not spend some time and have fun with your family in the warm, cozy atmosphere of Skibbereen Library!
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 Skibbereen Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Events
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Scam Awareness Talk at Cobh Library
Wednesday December 6th at 3pm
Join Cobh Gardai as they help us to keep our information and banking safe and secure in the run up to Christmas.
Cobh Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Cobh Gramophone Society Christmas Recital
Thursday November 7th at 11am.
This special event is always full of festive cheer with a sprinkling of nostalgia, the perfect way to kick off the Christmas season!
Cobh Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Cobh ETB School of Music Christmas Recital
Saturday December 16th at 2pm
Come along and enjoy some classical favourites from our supremely talented local School of Music students.
Cobh Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Connecting with Nature at Carrigaline Library
Saturday 2nd December at 12pm
Learn about nature on your doorstep and how you can support it every day.
From simple actions that consider how mammals move about, to how light affects nocturnal species. You will also get information on the many citizen science projects that you can engage with including how to join in the forthcoming Birdwatch, Garden Bird Survey and many others.
Cutting Carbon element – in the content we will cover what carbon sequestration is, what features are important such as saltmarshes and seagrass beds as well as trees and vegetation generally. Highlighting any such local features during the session.
Carrigaline Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Teenage Clothes Swap at Mallow Library
Saturday December 9th from 2pm - 4pm
Teenagers, would you like a new outfit for the Christmas party season?
Bring along one or two outfits and swap them for a new outfit at Mallow Library
Mallow Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Free Christmas Haircut at Mallow Library
Tuesday December 19th from 9.30am - 11.30am
Trainee Barbering Students from Cork College of FET - Mallow Centre will be giving free Christmas Haircuts!
Mallow Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Learn the Basics of Making Your own Comics at Midleton Library
Wednesday December 13th at 3.30pm
Aimed at beginners, this free workshop with Colin O' Mahony will introduce you to all you need to know in getting started: coming up with ideas, designing characters and drawing your own stories.
For kids aged 10 - 14 years old, booking is essential. To book your spot please call on 021-4613929 or email midleton.library@corkcoco.ie.
Midleton Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Adults Age Friendly Meeting at Millstreet Library
Friday December 22nd at 11am
Anyone 55+ years are very welcome to attend. A really enjoyable morning where people can meet, have a chat and a cup of tea/coffee, mince pies and Christmas treats will be served.
Get in the festive mood, it's our last meeting of the year!
Free event and everyone are welcome to attend.
Millstreet Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Weekly Art Workshops for Older Adults at Youghal Library
Join Priyanka for these free weekly art workshops.
Beginning on Wednesday December 13th at 11am
Please bring your own art materials.
Youghal Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Tell Us your Top 5 Books of 2023 at Bantry Library
The year is almost over, and Bantry Library staff want to know your favourite books of 2023.
Fill out your form before Friday December 15th and enter the draw for a chance at winning a prize!
Bantry Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Colouring Competition at Midleton Library
Pick up a colouring sheet from Midleton Library or email midleton.library@corkcoco.ie for a PDF you can print at home and drop it back before Saturday December 9th.
Winners will be announced the following week with the prizes given out on Saturday December 16th.
Age Categories:
- 5 and under
- 6-8 years
- 9-12 years
Midleton Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Joke Competition at Midleton Library
Do you think you know the best Christmas joke? Then let us in on it! Drop your jokes into the library and we will display random picks throughout the month. Deadline for returns is Saturday December 16th. Winners will be announced in the New Year.
Categories: Kids and Adults
Midleton Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Colouring Competition for Kids at Millstreet Library
Call into Millstreet library to collect your colouring sheets today and return them before Saturday December 16th. The age categories are:
- 4-7 years old
- 8-12 years old
Good luck everyone!
Millstreet Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
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Exhibitions
Cobh Art Collective
A new local artists collective led by Aine Farrell, will launch their exhibition entitled "A Chink of Light" which will run in the library from Saturday December 2nd at 2pm until Friday December 22nd.
Cobh Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Paul Strzelecki: A forgotten Polish Hero of the Great Irish Famine
 Carrigaline Library will host an exhibition until mid-December on Paul Strzelecki: A forgotten Polish Hero of the Great Irish Famine.
This exhibition explores the fascinating life and achievements of a great 19th century humanitarian whose contribution to Irish Famine relief have yet to be widely known and commemorated.
Carrigaline Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Gordon Moxley Exhibition at Bantry Library
 On display at Bantry Library from Tuesday November 28th to Friday December 22nd
Gordon Moxley's collection includes pieces created with various types of felt-tip and pen, and some with paint. He makes tiny marks which meet each other precisely to form areas of colour which have a very unusual vibrancy.
Bantry Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Capel Painters Art Exhibition at Youghal Library
 On display at Youghal Library from Saturday December 2nd to Wednesday January 3rd
Come along and view this fantastic collection of pieces by local artists.
Youghal Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Tetiana Milshyna Exhibition at Kinsale Library
 Kinsale Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Peninsula People Exhibition at Kinsale Library
 Kinsale Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Small Things Like These Exhibition at LHQ Gallery
 Cork County Council presents a group exhibition titled 'Small Things Like These' after Claire Keegan’s novel of the same name.
The novel is set in the weeks leading up to Christmas in the mid-80s and captures the busyness of the season, the family traditions, and also the complicit silences of a town.
The exhibition at LHQ Gallery will be on display from Friday December 1st to Friday December 22nd. Opening hours are Monday to Friday 9am - 5.30pm.
Kinsale Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)
Sustainable Tip of the Month
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