Local libraries share in almost €28,000 in funding

The announcement was made this morning.

Funding for equipment, classes and activities in libraries across Cavan has been announced.

A total of €27,888 is being split between five local groups as part of the €700,000 allocation from the Department of Rural and Community Development.

Local projects include a Build a Bodhran class for 12-18 year olds from DEIS schools and the purchase of sensory toys for the county's libraries for children and adults with learning difficulties, disabilities and other significant needs.

The funding is being provided by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Dormant Accounts Action Plan and is designed to assist libraries in reaching out to older people, children from disadvantaged communities, people with disabilities and other marginalised groups.

The local projects will cost a total of €32,409, with the Department giving grants totalling €27,888. The shortfall will be made up by the libraries themselves through other funding streams or their own resources.

Announcing the funding, Minister Humphreys said:

“I am delighted today to announce almost €70,000 in funding to provide a wide range of programmes and services in our libraries in Monaghan and Cavan.

“The sort of innovative projects that are being funded under this initiative will create a more welcoming and engaging library experience for young and older people alike. It will put our libraries at the forefront of reaching out to all members of the local community in which they serve.

The successful projects in Cavan are:

Cavan- Build a Bodhran - 12-18 year olds from DEIS schools. Working with a master bodhrán player in assembling a drum from scratch and learn playing techniques along the way. €7,108.20

Cavan - Ukulele & Vocal - 8-13 year olds from DEIS schools and families from new communities. Fun and interactive workshop series in which participants learn about sound composition, identifying colour notation, creating rhythms, exploring pitch & building & layering melodies. €2,772

Cavan - The Arts Well - Early school leavers, Residents of deprived areas. Facilitators will deliver a ‘Wellbeing through the Arts’ programme for adult service users in recovery from addiction. Participants will use the arts experience to support and promote recovery. €6,732

Cavan - Sensory Toys - Autistic children & adults, age friendly. Specialised selection of sensory toys/equipment for nine library branches designed to offer support to children and adults with learning difficulties, disabilities or more significant needs. €5,085.72

Cavan - Touch Type Read & Spell Licences - National and Post-primary schools, Youthreach & other networks. One thousand TTRS licences for two years which assist children with low literacy levels, learning difficulties including dyslexia and dyspraxia. €6,190.14