Who we are

Cork Cultural Companions is an Age & Opportunity Arts initiative, delivered by Muintir Cork and supported by the HSE and Cork City and County Councils. Cork Cultural Companions has local networks of members who attend events together regularly in Cork City, Mallow, Bantry and East Cork.

Wednesday 8 May 2024

Cork City Cultural Companions May Newsletter








East Cork Cultural Companions May Newsletter


 

Bantry Cultural Companions May Newsletter





 

Mallow Cultural Companions May Newsletter






 

Cork Midsummer Festival 2024

So much to look forward to and enjoy in the 2024 Cork Midsummer Festival Programme




Cork County Library Service

 

Cork County Council
 
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May 2024

Exterior of Clonakilty Library

Clonakilty Library

Welcome to the Cork County Council Library & Arts Service Newsletter

Contents


Get to Know Cobh Library


Cobh_Building

Cobh Library is located in the impressive Arch Building in Casement Square. The construction of this historic building was commissioned by the Smith Barry family (of Fota Estate) and was completed in the early 1800’s. The building began life as a market house, one of the key buildings in any town, and has over the years has served as a courthouse, town hall and memorably, and as a temporary morgue for the victims of the Lusitania disaster in 1915. It has been a library since the mid 1900’s and has welcomed successive generations of readers in that time. 

The library is staffed by Julie, Ed, Niamh, Claire and Sheila. Our opening hours are Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 17.30pm. Our contact number is 021-811130 and our email is cobh.library@corkcoco.ie

We are lucky to also have a separate Exhibition Space which allows us to run monthly exhibitions by local artists and groups. It also means that we can run lots of events and group meetings while preserving the library as a space for reading and study.  

Cobh_Piano

We have 2 computers for public use along with remote printing and photocopying. Please note that we cannot accept card payments in Cobh Library. We also hold daily newspapers the Irish Examiner, Irish Times and Southern Star and Hello magazine weekly. 

The Exhibition Room has a full electric piano for public use. No need to book, just come in and play. 

Cobh_Adults Group1

Knit and Natter Group

Regular groups and events for adults:

Tuesday - Great Island Writers Creative Writing group meet at 3pm - 5pm. New members are welcome.

Wednesday Mornings - Knit and Natter. Group is currently full.

Wednesday Afternoons - 45’s Card Game kicks off at 2pm every Wednesday.

Thursdays - EmployAbility Drop In Jobs Clinic to support people with disabilities to secure and maintain employment. Fortnightly from 2pm - 4pm.

Fridays - Cobh Women’s Shed meet at 10.30am.

Saturdays - Book Club on the last Saturday of the month. From 11am - 12pm. Group is currently full.

The East Cork Songwriting Group meets the second Saturday of the month from 10am - 1pm, new members welcome.

Cobh_Kids Group

Regular Groups and Events for Children:

Tuesdays - Baby Club for pre-walkers. Weekly at 11am.

Wednesdays - Teen Bookclub is on the last Wednesday of the month from 4pm - 5pm. New members are welcome.

Fridays - Storytime and colouring for ages 3+ is on weekly at 3.30pm.

Saturdays - Drop In Lego Club – Weekly 4pm to 5pm.

 

 

Cobh_Adults Group2

Cobh Women's Shed

There is paid parking and a disabled parking space in the car park directly behind the library. The library is fully accessible, and we have baby changing facilities.

Cobh Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


TOUR DE CORK T-Shirt Design Competition for Kids


Bike Week T-Shirt Design CompetitionBike Week Logos

Cork Bike Week takes place from May 11th - 19th as a part of National Bike Week.

Join us in celebrating Cork Bike Week 2024 by designing your own cycling t-shirt!

Pick up an entry form from your local library.

*****

Beidh Seachtain Rother Chorcaí ar siúl ón Bealtaine 11ú - 19ú mar chuid de Sheachtain Náisiúnta Rothar.

Bígí linn chun Seachtain Rother Chorcaí 2024 a cheiliúradh trí do T-léine rothaíochta féin a dhearadh!

Faigh forim iontrála as do leabharlann áitiúil.


Bealtaine Festival


Bealtaine Festival

Bealtaine is Ireland's national festival which celebrates the artistic abilities and creativity in older age and provides opportunities for older people to express themselves and explore their creative side as they age.

Throughout the month of May, there will be events held in libraries all across Cork County at which older people are more than welcome to attend.


Family History Talks at Your Local Library


Family History

Are you interested in tracing your family tree?

Uncover your family’s history by tracing your ancestors with the help of a staff member from the Local Studies Library as they explain how you might begin your journey.

If you have already started and are stuck at a certain point, then they are here to help you too. This is a free event, and no booking is required. The talks are available in certain branches, please see below for the details.

Also, a very helpful guide called 'Walking in the Footsteps of Your Ancestors; a beginner's guide to family history in Cork' has been compiled by the Local Studies library. The online version of this book can be accessed by clicking on this link.

We hope researchers will find this useful.

Midleton Library
Friday May 17th at 11am

Carrigaline Library
Thursday May 23rd at 11am

Charleville Library
Wednesday May 29th at 3pm

Genealogy at Local Studies | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Your Good Self Talks


Your Good Self

As part of Your Good Self: Cork's Positive Self-Help Programme, talks will be held around Cork County this month to help improve mental health.

These talks are free to attend.


Positive Mental Health for Older Adults

Positive Mental Health for Older Adults at Charleville Library

Thursday May 16th at 11am

A free talk will be given by Dr Rosarie Crowley, Clinical Psychologist, HSE on Positive Mental Health for Adults. No need to book, all are welcome.

For more information, please contact 063-89769 or email charleville.library@corkcoco.ie

Charleville Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Staying Mentally Fit in Later Years

Staying Mentally Fit in Later Years at Kinsale Library

Tuesday May 28th at 1pm

Dr. Riana Vermaak, Clinical Psychologist, HSE Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare, will deliver this talk on the importance of staying mentally fit in later years.

No need to book, all are welcome.

Kinsale Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Coping with the Ups and Down of Everyday Life

Coping with the Ups and Downs of Everyday Life at Mallow Library

Tuesday May 28th at 11am

Dr. Mary Tobin, Clinical Psychologist, HSE Cork-Kerry Community Healthcare, will deliver this talk on coping with the ups and downs of everyday life.

Booking your place at this event is required so please contact Mallow Library by phoning 022-21821 or by emailing mallow.library@corkcoco.ie

Mallow Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Events Banner

Carrigaline_Dyslexia Talk

Understanding Dyslexia Talk at Carrigaline Library

Wednesday May 29th from 11am - 12pm

Come along to Carrigaline Library for an informative talk on dyslexia with Úna from Blossom4Life. This talk is aimed at parents, students, teachers, and anyone else who thinks it would be of benefit to them.

Places are limited so please email una@blossom4life.com to book your spot.

Carrigaline Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Cobh_Play

‘Fare Thee Well, John Henry’ at Cobh Library

Saturday May 18th at 2pm

“John Henry Kelly, future grandfather to a princess (Princess Grace of Monaco), left Drumilra, Newport for America in 1867 taking with him only his mason's hammer and his hopes for a better life...”

Cobh Library is delighted to announce we will be holding a special performance of the play ‘Fare Thee Well, John Henry’, which is written and performed by Marguerite Gannon with Aisling Smyth accompanying on fiddle.

There is no need to book, all are welcome to come along and join.

Cobh Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Cobh_Babies

Library Babies Baby Group at Cobh Library

Tuesday Mornings at 11am

Library Babies Baby Group would like to invite new members to join! Baby Group is a perfect opportunity to meet other new parents and carers and let your little one makes new friends.

Open to pre-walking babies from 4 months up.  Meeting in the library exhibition room on Tuesday mornings at 11am.  For more information and to join the group please contact Cobh Library on 021 4811130 or email cobh.library@corkcoco.ie

Cobh Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


cobh_dancing

Regency Dance Workshop at Cobh Library

Thursday May 30th from 12pm to 1pm.

We are delighted to host historian Melissa Shiels, who will return to the library to run a Regency Dance Workshop. Learn to dance like your favourite Jane Austen and Bridgerton characters in this fun, free class.  Suitable for all ages and abilities. Please wear flat, comfortable shoes.  Please book your place with the library by calling 021-4811130 or email cobh.library@corkcoco.ie

Cobh Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Computer and smartphone

Digital Skills Classes for Adults at Dunmanway Library

Each Tuesday during May from 10am - 12pm

Dunmanway Library is continuing its series of Digital Skills Classes for Adults throughout May, with the aid of a tutor from the ETB.

To enquire about attending, please contact Dunmanway Library by phoning 023-8855411 or by emailing dunmanway.library@corkcoco.ie

Dunmanway Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Tina Pisco

Free Writing Workshops with Tina Pisco at Dunmanway Library

Wednesdays May 1st, 8th, and 15th from 10am - 12pm

Dunmanway Library is thrilled to have Tina Pisco returning for a series of creative writing workshops this May.

The workshops will run for three weeks, and they are suitable for beginners who would like to get started with creative writing in a relaxed environment.

Places are very limited so please contact Dunmanway Library by phoning 023-8855411 or by emailing dunmanway.library@corkcoco.ie to reserve your spot.

Image by Louise Barker

Dunmanway Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Paddy O'Brien

Paddy O'Brien Storytelling Visits to Dunmanway Library

Thursdays May 16th and 23rd at 11am

Come along to Dunmanway Library for a couple of enjoyable mornings of storytelling and chats.

Paddy O'Brien will be leading the chats and entertaining everyone with some of his own fantastic stories - told in his own inimitable way.

No booking required, and all are welcome.

Dunmanway Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Football Card Swap

Football Card Swap at Dunmanway Library

Saturday May 18th from 2pm - 4pm

Dunmanway Library is hosting a Match Attax card swap event so bring along your duplicate cards and trade with other collectors.

All are welcome!

Dunmanway Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Feel the Force Festival

Feel the Force Festival at Dunmanway Library

Taking place over the June Bank Holiday Weekend, the Feel the Force festival in Dunmanway is a weekend of Star Wars themed activities, workshops & cosplay. 

In the lead up to the festival, Dunmanway Library is being taken over by the dark side and transforming their windows with a display of Star Wars themed books and library resources.

There will also be a special Star Wars event in Dunmanway Library during the last week of May. Get in touch with the library later in May for more details!

Dunmanway Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Fermoy_Casey King

A Morning with Casey King at Fermoy Library

Thursday May 2nd from 11am - 1pm

Cork crime author Casey King will be hosting a workshop in Fermoy library for budding writers. Be sure to come down for writing advice or to ask Casey a question.

For more information, please contact 025-31318 or email fermoy.library@corkcoco.ie

Fermoy Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Fermoy_Storytime

Storytime at Fermoy Library

Saturday May 11th at 11.30am

Come and join us in the children's area for a few stories to start your Saturday! No need to book, all are welcome.

Fermoy Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Fermoy_Author Eleanor

Author Eleanor O’Kelly-Lynch visits Fermoy Library

Saturday May 11th at 2.30pm

As part of our Bealtaine programme, Fermoy Library is delighted to host local author Eleanor O’Kelly-Lynch for a discussion on all things writing as well as the arts as we grow older.

Fermoy Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Fermoy_CETB

Cork ETB Lunchtime Recital at Fermoy Library

Thursday May 30th from 12pm - 2pm

The Cork ETB will be performing a recital so be sure to come down for your lunch to see them perform!

No need to book, all are welcome.

Fermoy Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Repair Cafe at Kanturk Library

Repair Cafe at Kanturk Library

Saturday May 11th from 11am - 1.30pm

If you have broken household items in need of repair, or if you just want advice, you are welcome to come along!

 

  • Clothing/textiles
  • Electrical Items
  • Bikes
  • Furniture
  • General Household Goods

Interested in getting involved? Contact Roger by emailing rogernagle@gmail.com or Anna at Kanturk Library

Kanturk Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


MABS

MABS Visit to Kanturk Library

Thursday May 23rd from 10am - 12pm

Jacklyn Foley - Money Advice & Budgeting Service adviser - will be visiting Kanturk Library to offer guidance and answer your questions.

Kanturk Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


How to be a Game Master for TTRPG

How to be a Gamemaster for TTRPG at Kinsale Library

Saturday May 18th at 2.30pm

Filip Dippel will deliver a seminar for adults on How to be a Gamemaster for TTRPG (Tabletop Role-Playing Games).

Be sure to check out Filip's wonderful art exhibition which is currently on display at Kinsale Library.

Kinsale Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Eleanor O'Kelly-Lynch

Meet Author Eleanor O'Kelly-Lynch at Kinsale Library

Thursday May 23rd at 11.30am

Are you a keen reader or an aspiring writer?

Author Eleanor O'Kelly-Lynch will visit Kinsale Library and talk to an adult audience about her books and the art of writing.

This is a free event, and all are welcome.

Kinsale Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


MDN_Authors Visit

Author Talk and Q&A at Midleton Library

Saturday May 25th at 12pm

Midleton Library is very excited to host two such esteemed authors Anya Bergman and Cathy Sweeney in the library as part of the Midleton Art’s Festival. They will each give a reading from their newest books, ‘The Witches of Vardø’ and ‘Breakdown’ respectively, followed by a Q&A session.

This is a free event, and no booking is required. This is sure to be one not to be missed!

Midleton Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


mdn_table quiz

Table Quiz for Adults at Midleton Library

Thursday May 16th at 12pm

Are you a trivia fan looking for a fun and exciting way to meet new people and socialize?

Come along to our friendly adults only table quiz, either alone or bring a friend. We will set you up with a team and put your brains to the test!

Limited places so make sure you contact the library to book your place on 021-613929 or email midleton.library@corkcoco.ie

Midleton Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


MTN_Art

Art Workshop for Older People at Mitchelstown Library

Wednesday May 22nd from 4pm to 5.30pm

Mitchelstown Library are delighted to host a Bealtaine Festival Arts & Crafts workshop with Ann Lambe.

All are welcome. For more information, please contact 025-41939 or email mitchelstown.library@corkcoco.ie 

Mitchelstown Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


Tribal Drumming

Tribal Drumming Workshop at Newmarket Library

Saturday May 25th at 10.50am

To celebrate Africa Day, Newmarket Library will be hosting a Tribal Drumming Workshop.

Places are very limited so early booking is essential. Contact Newmarket Library by phoning 029-61090 or by emailing newmarket.library@corkcoco.ie

Newmarket Library | Cork County (corkcoco.ie)


BorrowBox

Library in your Pocket at Skibbereen Library

Friday May 17th from 10am - 4pm

Would you like to listen to an audiobook or read a book on your own device?