[Leading Cork to take its place as a World Class City] __________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Libraries Covid-19 continued to have an impact on the library service, as the rate of transmission increased early in 2021. All staff were directed to work from home with limited access to the libraries as a workspace. The Library Link book delivery service continued to be vital to community engagement and combating the social isolation of the elderly and those cocooning. Staff worked tirelessly on creative online programming and promotion and use of the libraries’ online services, eBooks and Audio books, soared. The doors of the libraries would not open again until May 10 th . Despite this, 2021 was another amazing year for Cork City Libraries. The development of a 7,700 square foot library as part of the development of the Grand Parade Quarter under Ireland 2040’s Urban Regeneration and Development Fund (URDF) was announced, the biggest investment by the public sector in Cork City in the history of the state. A new state of the art city library will be central to progressing community, culture, economic development, tourism and placemaking aspects of the new city centre. Grant aid of €46,092 was received under the Dormant Accounts Fund to provide programmes and Library Supports for Marginalised, Socially Excluded and Disadvantaged, this was the second highest amount granted nationally. The overall programme was highly commended by the LGMA and DRCD for both its inclusivity and of best practice across the sector. Tory Top and Douglas libraries were shortlisted for the Chambers Excellence in Local Government Awards International in acknowledgement of Cork City Libraries commitment to access and inclusion of those with different learning needs. As part of the libraries’ commitment to support marginalised groups a vibrant mural was installed on the front of the City Library, to mark the 50th anniversary of Down Syndrome Ireland. Lord Mayor Cllr Colm Kelleher and Minister Simon Coveney launched the 10ft mural, spanning the length of the building. The mural entitled The Upside Wall was created by local artist Paul La Rocque. The libraries promotion of culture, heritage, learning, health and wellbeing through innovative programming continued in 2021. Cork World Book Fest celebrated its 17 th year with a totally online festival including writers from Colombia to Tokyo. A worldwide audience of over 1, 500 participated. Children’s Book Festival collaborated with schools citywide and facilitated 70 online sessions attracting an attendance of 3,200 children. A collaboration with the St Patrick’s Festiva l supported the wellbeing of the public and poets alike with a selection of Irish language poems installed in public places and Hollyhill and Tory Top libraries were ‘greened’ for the week brightening up their communities. Heritage Week saw a return to in-person outdoor events with walking tours of the city while Culture Night had an eclectic programme including a collaboration with the Crawford Art Gallery and a celebration of Joan Denise Moriarty with a ballet performance on the Grand Parade. Creative Ireland projects in 2021 included One City One Book, Danielle Mclaughlin being this year’s featured writer who engaged with readers online and through partnerships with Waterstones, Fiction at the Friary and the Crawford Art Gallery. The second Cork Words anthology was published featuring over 50 local writers. Crafted Conversations – a participatory arts programme for older people funded by Creative Ireland’s Creativity in Older Age enabled the libraries to connect with older people both in their own homes and in residential settings. Poetry in the Park is an exceptional collaboration with Cork City Council’s Parks and Recreation Department bringing literature into public spaces in 2021 with installations in The Regional Park Ballincollig, Tramore Valley Park and Fitzgerald’s Park.
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