Europe Direct - Past Events

As part of its celebration of Europe Day 9^th May, Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre (EDIC) was delighted to host an exhibition of Polish Art at the Index Gallery, Central Library, Lady Lane. The exhibition was officially opened on May 4^th by Councillor Jack Walsh and ran from May 4^th-21^st. The exhibition featured the work of two Polish artists based in Ireland, icons by Grazyna Klinkowska and drawings by Dariusz Jurek. The exhibition also featured a series of photographs and articles in relation to the beatification of Pope John Paul the Second. The event was organized by WaterPol, the Polish Association based in Waterford.

Another interesting feature of the event was the very appetising display of Polish sweets and cakes made from traditional recipes. These proved to be a big hit with young and old alike at the well attended event which was supported by members of the Polish community in Waterford and by a cross section of the local populace.

Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre (EDIC) located at the Central Library, Lady Lane recently hosted a six week Irish Language course titled “Irish for Improvers”. The course was aimed at people who, due to lack of usage of the language, had become a little bit rusty over the years. The course was fully booked up in advance and was successfully run by Mr. Frank Madigan, retired schoolteacher. The course ended on April 27^th and all the class resolved to keep up the “cupla focail” in the future. The Irish language is an official language of the European Union.

FOR ACTION: Call for Proposals PNCE 2010 - EU27 - communicating EU enlargement

The general objective of this Call for Proposals is to raise awareness about the benefits and challenges of current EU enlargement towards the Western Balkans, Turkey and Iceland. DG ELARG intends to support a limited number of projects likely to have maximum reach/impact with the aim to:

- increase public understanding for the EU enlargement process by stimulating an informed public debate about EU enlargement;

- familiarise people in EU Member States with the contemporary reality of candidate countries and potential candidates.

Ten week course, commencing Thursday 27th January. These classes will be held in the Learning Centre, Dundalk Library from 6-8pm

This Exhibition will be on display in Dundalk Library from 1st March to 31st March 2011" In "The Legend of the Ruhr", comprising more than 20 of Manfred Vollmer's photographs, you will get to know a little about the Ruhr Metropolis. This is an urbane cityscape marked by its history in the mining and steel industries. It is an area that continuously reinvents itself. It is unfinished, inspiring and surprising. It is a metropolis in the making. The European Capital of Culture RUHR.2010 is the engine powering this development.

For European Action Week Against Racism the Europe Direct Centre will be holding an anti-racism workshop with drama therapist Ailbhe Hines at the Europe Direct Centre on Tuesday the 22nd March and two workshops at Dungloe library on Friday the 25th March. These interactive workshops will be with secondary school students from local schools and aim to raise awareness about cultural differences and racism in our society.

The EU Direct Centre, Letterkenny are pleased to announce a seminar by John Lowe, author of the Money Doctor guides and one of Ireland’s best known personal finance gurus on Tuesday 29^th March at 7pm at the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny. The seminar covers all aspects of personal finance and planning.

On Wednesday 23^rd March Europe Direct Thurles staff, Ann Marie and Lorraine, went to Thurles Shopping Centre to spread the word about our European consumer rights. Over lunch time, we spoke to 150 people about the European Consumer Centre in Dublin and Europe Direct in Thurles. We gave out information bags, courtesy of the European Consumer Centre, with leaflets on our services, on consumer rights and with some pens and toppers too! The free bags proved to be very popular and we hope to repeat this very successful event again next year. Thank you to the European Consumer Centre and Thurles Shopping Centre for making this possible. SEE GALLERY FOR PHOTOS

This exhibition is on display in Dundalk Library from 1st to 28th February. The fall of the Berlin Wall posed an unprecedented challenge to German foreign policy. The "Two plus Four" process was the answer, both to that new challenge and to an old obligation - since 1949 the Basic Law has tasked Germans to "achieve the unity and freedom" of their country "in free self-determination". This exhibition aims to show how this came about

Details: Europe Direct, Thurles and North Tipperary County Council present a FREE Home Composting Workshop on Thursday, 10th March, 7 p.m. at Templemore Library, Old Mill Court As part of its environmental awareness campaign to reduce household waste, Speaker: Brenda Palmer, The Ecological Gardener Venue: Templemore Library, OldMill Court All participants in the workshop will be entered into a free draw to win a composting unit! For further information, please contact Europe Direct Thurles on (0504) 29720 or the Environment Section on (067) 44786, or visit www.europedirect.ie or www.tipperarynorth.ie/enviroment

Blanchardstown Europe Direct Centre -150th Anniversary of the Reunification of Italy Exhibition

150^th Anniversary of the Reunification of Italy Exhibition on display 14^th February until 28^th February

An Choill Draiochta- this audio program encourages children to create their own stories by bringing them on a journey into an imaginative world of folklore, nature, animals, music, dreams and wishes.

Letterkenny Europe Direct Centre - Europe Direct Centre and Donegal County Enterprise Week.

On Friday 11th March 2011 the Europe Direct Information Centre Letterkenny will take part in the "Starting Your Business in 2011- Get off to a Flying Start" seminar. We will be present with an Information stand on how the Europe Direct Centre can help you. For further information on this event please contact us on 07491 24950.

This exhibition is on display in Drogheda Library from 18th January to 28th February. The posters are illustrating the call for democracy and means of protest within the German Democratic Republic that eventually found its end with the fall of the Berlin Wall. It shows the protest against electoral fraud in the GDR, German solidarity, the movement to West Germany in the summer and the mass protests in autumn 1989.

Members of the public will have the opportunity to meet with a representative of the European Consumer Centre.

Con Tempo Quartet Lunchtime Recital on Friday,11^th February at Europe Direct Ballinasloe. ConTempo was formed in 1995 when the members were students at the Music University in Bucharest,Romania and are :Andreea Banciu,viola,Bogdan Sofei and Ingrid Nicola,violins and Adrian Mantu,cello.This is the first of 3 visits which the quartet are paying to ED Ballinasloe this year .Their visit is in line with the philosophy of the centre in promoting the arts and culture of Europe and on the 11^th they will play ..........W.A.Mozart:String Quartet:KV 421 in D Minor.

As part of Library Ireland Week which takes place from the 7^th -13^th of March 2011, Europe Direct Information Centre-Killarney Library will host a series of 3 [Basic computer classes for Seniors, to include basic word processing, the internet, accessing information from Europe etc] .

Europe Direct, Waterford hosts successful German Cultural Day at Central Library

The Waterford Europe Direct Centre at Central Library hosted a very successful German Cultural Day last Wednesday (19 January) with Peter Zingraf, The Deputy Head of Mission with the German Embassy in Dublin and pupils and teachers from Waterpark College.

Katherine Collins, Senior Executive Librarian welcomed Mr. Zingraf, who spoke about German history, the EU and the work of the German Embassy. He also took questions from the very attentive students from Waterpark, all of whom study German. Three students from Germany, who are currently studying at Waterpark were also present. German Teacher Charlotte Cronin presented Mr. Zingraf with a piece of Glass made in Waterford on behalf of the Waterpark Students.

Mr. Zingraf also referred to the "The Two plus Four Treaty" Exhibition, created by the German Embassy which is currently on display in The Index Gallery, Central Library. This important exhibition, details the events which led to German unity in 1990 with one of the most fast-paced multilateral diplomatic negotiation processes in history. The Treaty was signed on 12 September 1990 by both East and West Germany, along with the United States, Great Britain, France and the Soviet Union. This exhibition will run until Friday 28 January and can be viewed during normal library opening hours.

Germany celebrated 20 years of Unity last year. Ireland and Germany have a tradition of very close relations. In 1990, during its European Council Presidency, Ireland played a crucial role in integrating the united Germany into the European Communities. Ever since, cooperation between the two countries has grown and intensified. Today, both countries are jointly engaged at the core of European affairs as well as in the United Nations. The German Embassy in Ireland is committed to building bridges between two countries with traditionally already very close ties.

Ireland has particularly strong ties with Germany in the economic sphere, within Europe, Germany is the country's second most important trading partner after the United Kingdom. In 2009, Ireland's trade surplus with Germany amounted to 6 billion Euro.
The Waterford Europe Direct Centre, run from Central Library is a contact point for all queries on the EU for the South East Region. The Centre aims to promote informed debate and active European citizenship by providing EU information tailored to meet the needs of the local community. For more information you can contact the Waterford Europe Direct Centre on 051 849975 or by email europedirect@waterfordcity.ie

Children's European Union Picture Quiz - Most suited to older children- the quiz is open to all junior members.

Collect your entry form for this fun and educational quiz which consists of 28 questions ( with pictures) which

are on display in the Junior Section of Drogheda Library. Lots of time to do the quiz as the closing date is

Ballinasloe Library - European Year of VolunteeringThe First of 2 events which we have organized to mark the European Year of Volunteering takes place.

CONCORD is the European NGO Confederation for Relief and Development.Its 18 international networks and 25 national associations from the European Member states represent more than 1600 European NGOs vis-a-vis-the European Institutions.

The pictures and comments from developing countries in this exhibition show how EU aid impacts on them.

2.An integral part of this event will be a day devoted specifically to Volunteering......what it means,how to go about it,short films on the subject,where to volunteer,locally,in Ireland,in Europe,in areas throughout the world.

A representative from Trocaire will spend the day with us and has agreed to give short talks to interested groups throughout the day.

There will be displays from groups who rely on volunteers to help them with their work.....locally,regionally,nationally.

Europe Direct, Waterford and GIY start the growing season with a talk from one of Ireland's leading organic vegetable growers

The Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre at Central Library is delighted to invite Klaus Laitenberger, one of Ireland's leading organic vegetable growers to speak to the Waterford GIY Group at Central Library this Wednesday 26 January at 6pm. The talk is free of charge and all are welcome to attend.

Klaus Laitenberger has been growing organic vegetables for over twenty years in the UK and Ireland. He ran a four-acre organic market garden in England before moving to Ireland in 1999 where he was the Head Gardener at the Organic Centre in Rossinver, Co. Leitrim for seven years. He then took on the challenge to start the garden restoration in Lissadell House in Co. Sligo. For the last few years he has been working as a trainer, mentor and consultant in organic horticulture. His first book, Vegetables for the Irish Garden, was published last year.

Europe Direct, Waterford is delighted to support GIY, a not-for-profit organisation which wants to make growing your own food the norm. GIY aims to inspire people from all walks of life and of all ages to grow their own food and provide them with the practical assistance they need to grow successfully. GIY brings people together in community groups and online to share tips, expertise and produce. There are nearly 100 GIY groups around Ireland and approximately 6,000 people involved.

The Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, run from Central Library is a contact point for all queries on the EU for the South East Region. The Centre aims to promote informed debate and active European citizenship by providing EU information tailored to meet the needs of the local community. For more information you can contact the Waterford Europe Direct Centre on 051 849975 or by email europedirect@waterfordcity.ie

Thurles Europe Direct Centre - Revisited Places Exhibition 10th - 27th January 2011

Revisited Places Exhibition from 10th to 27th January, 2011 at Cashel Library, during library hours, free entry. The German Embassy Dublin presents an exhibition called 'Wieder-besuchte Orte' (Revisited Places) at Cashel Library, Co. Tipperary. The posters show how German unity has affected towns and landscapes. Discover how Germany changed in the last 20 years!

Brought to you by Europe Direct Thurles, the European Commission and the German Embassy in Ireland.

Europe Direct Information Centre –Killarney Library Transition Year Competition - What's New in the EU in 2050?

Presentation of Prizes which was held in Tralee Library on Friday 11th of February at 11.15 a.m

Europe Direct, Waterford hosts successful German Cultural Day at Central Library

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre -Cross Making Workshops

Killarney Library - Traditional Christmas Carols

Details: Thurles Library Tel: (0504) 29720 Email: eudirect@tipperarylibraries.ie Thurles event will be held on Friday 12th November 2010, 7.00 p.m.

Killarney Library - Display Christmas Markets in Germany

The W5 team will be “talking rubbish” at Central Library and Europe Direct Information Centre during Science Week 2010. Their Talking Rubbish show demonstrates how our waste impacts on the environment and ultimately plays a role in climate change. This promises to be a very interactive and fun show.

Details: Letterkenny Library Tel (074) 9124950 Email: eudirect@donegallibrary.ie Letterkenny event will be held on Tuesday 9th November 2010, 7.30 p.m.

Details: Wexford Library Tel: (053) 9121637 Email: wexfordlib@wexfordcoco.ie Wexford event will be held on Monday 8th November 2010, 7.30 p.m.

EUROPE DIRECT: National Soapbox Competition REGIONAL HEAT: Thursday, 4th November, 2010, at 6.30pm DUNDALK EUROPE DIRECT CENTRE, DUNDALK LIBRARY

Wind energy. Like it or loathe it, agree or disagree, wind farms generate a lot of controversy - as well as potential energy. To highlight the importance that the EU places on Climate Change, we are holding a SOAPBOX COMPETITION: “WIND ENERGY – the future, or a blot on the landscape?” Research, prepare and deliver a 3 minute speech on the evening in front of a local audience and an expert panel of judges. FIRST PRIZE ON THE NIGHT: iPad + a trip to Brussels + a place in the National Finals in Farmleigh, Dublin in November with a first prize of €1,000! The event will be recorded for broadcast on www.europedirect.ie and social media sites related to Europe Direct. The decision of the judges at the event is final. Each winner of a local competition will be invited to compete for the national prize in Farmleigh on Friday 19th November 2010. If the winner of the Dundalk competition cannot attend the national final, a runner up will be invited to compete in their place. Visit your local library for an application form, or visit www.europedirect.ie for more details. Closing date for applications: 22nd October

Details: Blanchardstown Library Tel: (01) 8905563 Email: blanchlib@fi nalcoco.ie Blanchardstown event will be held on Thursday 4th November, 6.30 p.m.

The Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre at Central Library is delighted to host an important Skills Seminar in Influencing European Policy and Obtaining Funding for Community and Voluntary Organisations on Wednesday 3 November from 11am - 3pm.

This important Skills Seminar is open to all Community and Voluntary Groups and NGOs. The Seminar which is organised by the European Anti Poverty Network, Ireland will provide expert advice on making use of European funding and grants. Expert speakers will include Francis Jacobs, Head of European Parliament Office in Ireland and Sean Kelly, MEP. Delegates will discuss issues such as "Direct funding options from the EU: why, what" and the role of "Community organisations in the EU".For Community and Voluntary groups in the South East, this is an opportunity not to be missed to engage with policy makers.

The Skills Seminar is free but booking is essential, to register contact Mark by email at mark@eapn.ie or by phone (01) 874 5737. A limited number of stipends - to help with expenses - are available on a first come first served basis. Click here to see full programme.

2010 is the EU Year of Combating Poverty and Social Inclusion, the Voluntary, Community and NGO sectors have a vital role to play in influencing and connecting with European policy and politics.

The Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, run from Central Library is a contact point for all queries on the EU for the South East Region. The Centre aims to promote informed debate and active European citizenship by providing EU information tailored to meet the needs of the local community. You can contact the centre by email europedirect@waterfordcity.ie or by phone on 051 849975.

Details: Killarney Library Tel: (064) 6632655 Email: Killarney@kerrylibrary.ie Killarney event will be held on Tuesday 2nd November 2010, 7.00 p.m.

Ballinasloe Europe Direct Centre - Exhibition on the Fall of the Berlin Wall

Details: Ballinasloe Library Tel: (090) 9643464 Email: Ballinasloe@galwaylibrary.ie Carraroe Library (091) 595733 Email: anceathrurua@galwaylibrary.ie Galway event will be held in Westside Library on Monday 1st November 2010, 8.00 p.m.

A Rhyme Time session for pre-school children at the multi-cultural Centre, Port na Failte, Letterkenny on Thursday 21st October at 11am. This event is organised in conjunction with Donegal County Council Social Inclusion Awareness Week which runs from 18th – 23rd October.

Thurles Europe Direct Centre - EU Year of Combating Poverty & Social Exclusion

For the EU Year of Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion Europe Direct Thurles and Tipperary Libraries are working together to bring the ‘Big Chill’ initiative to families in North Tipperary. This project aims to promote family literacy, by encouraging parents to read along with their children. Literacy is still one of the main factors in social exclusion. This year we focused on Michael Smith’s book, ‘Iceman: the adventures of an Irish Antarctic Hero’ (about Tom Crean). Copies of the book will be loaned to children and their families to read together. Books like Michael’s can be enjoyed by all generations and are a great way to begin reading as a family. This will be followed up by a visit from the author himself, Michael Smith, to Nenagh Library, in November. Michael will speak to the children and parents who take part about the Antarctic adventures of Irish men and women. In addition to the author visit, there will be an exhibition, big quiz and art competition all around the subject of the Antarctic exploration. This event has received funding from the European Commission, North Tipperary County Council Arts Office and Children’s Books Ireland.

Ballinasloe Europe Direct Centre - Social Inclusion Week 17th - 22nd October

The European Union has designated 17th-22nd October as a Social Inclusion Week.Events organized in Ballinasloe include the following:

Art exhibition from service users of Mental Health Services in East GalwayRegion.

Special needs Day on Tuesday 19th October...children with special needs visit the ED Centre for stories,music and play.

Ballinasloe Rapid Programme in conjunction with the Jobs Club and the Dept of Social Protection have an Information Briefing for the under 25 jobless .

Information event on Community Safety which will provide the local community with up to date current information on both the statutory and voluntary services that support safety in the community.

Traveller Health and Wellbeing morning ....advice,chat,refreshments for travellers and their families.

Last 3 events are community based and organized in co-operation with interested stakeholders

Wainfest is Donegal’s largest arts and books festival for children and young people, which is in its fourteenth year. It incorporates the children’s Book Festival, a national celebration and promotion of books, which takes place in libraries throughout Ireland during October. Click here to see poster.

The 2010 programme incorporates Europe Direct’s communication priority of energy & climate change through “Reclaim and Recycle” Art Workshops with Kirstin McLaughlin. Her art sessions encourage children to think and reflect, explore and investigate and feel respected all through the medium of visual arts.

To highlight the 2010 European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion, Ailbhe Hines will facilitate a series of “Diversity and Racism” explorative workshops and activities that will provide a starting point for young people, from which hto explore the language of racism and diversity. The outcome will show how to identify and share experiences and imagine, enact, depict and discuss possible solutions.

An exhibition on Wind Energy, by Europe Direct, is on display in Blanchardstown Library from 11^th of October until 4^th of November 2010. This exhibition will highlight the benefits of wind energy and is being held in conjunction with the National Soapbox Competition in Europe Direct Centre, Blanchardstown on November 4th. This exhibition is sure to encourage an interest in wind energy and will stimulate debate about wind farms while also being of interest to members of the public who have a concern in environmental issues.

This exhibition can be viewed during Library opening hours (Mon-Thurs 10am-8.30pm, Fri-Sat 10am-5pm). It is on display in the Reference Section of Blanchardstown Library.

Europe Direct Centre, Dundalk Library, is pleased to host a photographic exhibition by the Ambassador of Latvia to Ireland, His Excellency Peteris Elferts.

The photos were taken by Ambassador Elferts when he was living in Germany in the 1980's. The photographs, mainly taken between 1987 and 1989, depict the efforts of Latvians to attract global attention to the fate of the Baltic countries by leaving graffiti messages on the Berlin Wall. The exhibition will be on display to mark the anniversary of German reunification on October 3rd 1990.

The exhibition can be viewed in Dundalk Library from 6^th October until 26^th October, 2010

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre -Is Ireland a Truely Entrepreneurial Nation within a European Context?

Is Ireland a Truly Entrepreneurial Nation Within a European Context? Dundalk Europe Direct Centre @ Louth County Library in conjunction with Louth County Enterprise Board presents the above symposium chaired by Yanky Fachler, Author and Business Analyst. The night promises to be a lively one with a Panel of Speakers, Lively Debate and Questions & Answers Session.

Thurles Europe Direct Centre - Multicultural Workshops for Kids in Cashel Library

Multicultural Workshops for Kids in Cashel Library took place from the 9th-13th August. The aim was to learn about different countries, sample some traditional food and take part in some crafts and games from that country. Workshops were FREE and suitable for 7-12 year olds. During the week the featured two European Union member states -included Poland and Romania.

The MacGill Summer School celebrates its 30th Anniversary from 18th to the 24th of July 2010. The Europe Direct Information Centre Letterkenny will feed into this years’ analysis of the political, economic and administrative systems that have allowed the Irish economy to be brought to its knees by providing relevant literature to interested parties.

This competition for Junior library users ran during July and August in Drogheda Branch Library.Entry forms were available in the Branch and the closing date was Tuesday, 31st August.

Family puppet show-European Folk Tales presented by [Glitter na Gig/Sean O’Laoire] on Tuesday 3rd of August 11.30 a.m

On Sunday 22nd August, 3-5 p.m. at Cabragh Wetlands, Holycross, Thurles, Co. Tipperary Dale Treadwell, The Den's resident bugman, explored the wetlands. This event aimed to show families how we are all a part of nature and how we have a role to help protect it too. We are all in this together! www.weareallinthistogether.eu. This event was held as part of Europe’s Biodiversity Campaign and has received funding from the European Commission.

To celebrate Bastille Day (14th July) Blanchardstown Europe Direct Centre held an exhibition of all things French from July 12th to July 17th. The public where invited to peruse the exhibition of French Books & CDs that are available in Blanchardstown Library while enjoying the sound of French music in the air! They where also invited to interact with the Exhibition – by teling library staff all about their French travels by pinning a label to a map of France telling where they had visited, what they enjoyed the most and who they travelled with!All where welcome to view the Exhibition!

A large exhibition entitled "Focusing on Europe in the World Cup" is was held in Blanchardstown Library. Information was provided about the European teams participating in the 2010 World Cup. There was also a display of library materials (Books & DVDs) relating to football and the World Cup. A TV and comfortable seating area was provided showing the World Cup matches.

Europe Direct Information Centre at Thurles Library held a very successful French camp for kids during July. 37 children, from 5 to 12 years, attended the camp for one hour each day from 12th to 16th July. Under the tuition of French native, Fanny Healy Bernard, they got to grips with their “un, deux, trois” whilst taking their own ‘Tour de France’. On Wednesday 14th July the group celebrated Bastille Day with croissants and jus d’orange in our specially decorated Community Space. At the end of the week, the children performed some French songs for their parents. Also, each child was rewarded with their own ‘Passeport pour mon Tour de France’ and a goody bag, courtesy of Europe Direct.

The French Camp was organised by Europe Direct Thurles Library and received funding from the European Commission. We hope this French camp will give children the language learning bug. Languages are for everybody. They help to break down personal as well as national barriers, and enable us all to play a greater role in a modern, multicultural Europe. You can find language learning materials at your local library.

Europe Direct Thurles welcomed Kerry native, and well-known story teller, Eddie Lenihan, to the library on Monday 21st June. On the day, Eddie held two sessions – one for pupils from Moyne and Littleton national schools and one for Thurles Education Centre. Eddie, who tells tales of myth, magic and mystery, kept the audience enthralled for the morning. On the day he told tales from Irish lore and Traveller culture, that he has gathered from other storytellers for almost 30 years. Thurles Education Centre is a training centre for Travellers from across county Tipperary. On the day, the group were captivated by Eddie’s talents, as he told stories about piseog’s and other superstitions, many of which they knew already. In fact, Eddie went away with a few new stories to tell himself!

This event was held by Europe Direct Information Centre as a celebration of Irish culture. Europe is proud of its cultural diversity and aims to preserve and support this diversity and to help make it accessible to others. Based in Thurles Library we are your one-stop shop for all your European Union information needs. This action has received funding from the European Commission.

Europe Direct Information Centre in Thurles Library held a Climate Change competition for primary schools in the Thurles area. We asked pupils and their teachers to discuss climate change in the classroom, to find out what it’s all about and to suggest ways we can help combat it. And what a response we got! Altogether, 17 primary schools entered the competition, with our judges given the difficult task of choosing winners from almost 600 entries.

The entries can now be seen on display in Thurles Library, so do pop in to see what the next generation thinks of climate change. Congratulations to everyone who took part, and their teachers, for doing their bit to save our planet!

Junior Infants – 1^st Class:1^st Prize: Anna Ryan, Scoil Mochaomhóg Naofa, Two-Mile-Borris. Click here to see winning entry! Highly commended: Shane Maher, St. Theresa’s N.S., Borrisoleigh; John Paul Curran, St Michael’s N.S. Holycross. Click

2^nd to 4^th Class: 1^st Prize: Claire Egan, St. Joseph’s N.S. Ballingarry. Click here to see winning entry! Highly commended: Sarah Ryan, Kilcommon N.S.; Katie Taylor, Scoil Angela; William Ryan, Inch N.S.

5^th & 6^th Class: 1^st Prize: Lorna Ryan, Scoil Treasa Naofa, Borrisoleigh. Click here to see wining entry! Highly commended: Caolainn Munroe, 6^th Class, Leugh .N.S.; Aedín Hogan, St. Treasa N.S. Borrisoleigh

The prize giving party took place on Wednesday 16^th June when Tipperary hurler, Lar Corbett, was on hand to present prizes to the children. Prizes were as diverse as the entries, ranging from an MP3 player to a bicycle to having a winning picture printed on a t-shirt for the winner and her class mates. Climate change is one of the biggest issues facing the world right now and you can learn more about what Europe is doing about it at Europe Direct in Thurles Library. This schools competition was run as a Europe Direct Information Centre event and has received funding from the European Commission.

For more information please contact Ann Marie Brophy, Executive Librarian, Thurles Library.

Phone: 0504 29720

Email: ambrophy@tipperarylibraries.ie

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre - English Language Classes

A ten week course of English Language Classes

every Thursday evening from 29/04/10 to 01/07/10.

Certificates presented to all participants on the final night.

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre - Exhibition on Travelling in Europe

During the month of June an Exhibition entitled"Travelling in Europe" was on display in Dundalk Branch Library. This colourful display provided information on travelling throughout Europe during the Summer of 2010.

The display was accompanied by travel guides on a variety of European countries, brochures and information leaflets.

Letterkenny Europe Direct Centre - Spanish Holiday Language Classes

Europe Direct Letterkennny recently hosted spanish holiday language classes in Central Library. Over a five week period in June the general public were invited to take part in a 1 hour session each Thursday to help them to learn the basics of the spanish language. Due to phenominal demand we put on a second course on Saturday mornings. The classes were very successful.

Ballinasloe Europe Direct Centre - 3 Rivers Storytelling Festival

The 3 Rivers Storytelling Festival,now in its third year,took place from the 2nd to the 24th June in the East Galway library catchment area,with some events in Athlone also.

The festival focused on bringing storytelling to communities in the East Galway area and thus,to make stories and storytellers accessible to both children and adults who might not normally get an opportunity to enjoy this form of the arts.the line up of visiting storytellers this year included:SPUD and YAM,Melissa Barker,Liz Weir,Suse Weiss,Mairin Mhic Lochlainn,Liz Warren,Sue Brown and Danielle Allison.

Libraries in Ballinasloe,Portumna,Loughrea,Eyrecourt,Killimor,Woodford,Athlone,Moate hosted visiting storytellers for storytelling sessions in English and Irish. Susa Weiss visited from Germany as part of Europe Direct Ballinasloe’s continuous programme to promote the arts and culture of European Countries.

For more information contact local libraries for details of storytelling sessions.

Details of libraries at www.galwaylibrary.ie

Killarney Library - Quiz on the European Union

Details:

On June 15th at 10.30 a.m Europe Direct Information Centre-Killarney Library hosted a Quiz on the European Union for 5th and 6th Classes in local Primary Schools,

Letterkenny Europe Direct Centre - Ulster Scots Songs & Stories

Letterkenny Europe Direct Information Centre was host to a morning of Ulster Scots songs and stories with Joe Lynch on Tuesday 8th June. Over 50 Pupils participated in a fun packed exploration of a local language tradition which highlighted how Ireland has forged links with other European countries before the European Union ever existed.

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre - The Pied Piper of Hamelin

To Celebrate Europe Day Louth County Libraries hosted a series of Workshops in conjunction with Encore Productions, a local Theatre group for adults with intellectual disabilities. A programme of workshops ran in Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee and Carlingford libraries, which commenced on Friday 7th May. The theme was "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" and the story recreated through writing, poetry, song and improvisation workshops. This classical European tale was re-imagined in the contemporary context, looking at the experiences of the rats as well as the human protagonists, issues of economics and the life of the town and how decisions made affect the lives and destinies of all its citizens. Performing alongside the actors were the children from Clermont Minor choir who sang the childrens songs in the production. During the workshops the actors presented the story of the pied piper and then focused on a scene or element of the story. The pupils assisted in writing songs, poems and lines of dialogue and description through a lively interactive workshop. Workshops ran to Friday the 28th May.

Blanchardstown Europe Direct Centre - Sustainable Energy Workshops

A series Sustainable Energy Workshop took place in Blanchardstown Library over the period 31/05/2010 - 04/06/2010. Local school children attended one of three daily workshops. The workshops, given by Sustainable Energy Ireland, consisted of a presentation which covered the topics of energy sources, climate change and what we as individuals can do to reduce the amount of energy we use. Children had the opportunity to take part in fun energy experiments - for example, making a battery out of a lemon!

Europe Direct Centre Blanchardstown also displayed relevant leaflets so that the participating children could take information back to their schools which highlights the European Unions response to climate change and a more sustainable way of living.

For Information on this event, please contact Enid Bebbington, Blanchardstown Library (Ph. 01 890 5576) or email enid.bebbington@fingalcoco.ie

Audience: Invited classes from schools in the Dublin 15 area.

Blanchardstown Library - Events to Celebrate Europe Day

To celebrate Europe Day, the Europe Direct Centre at Blanchardstown Library held a junior and an adult quiz for all Eurovision song contest fans and admirers! Entrants got the chance to test their knowledge of the Eurovision and win some great prizes!

They also held a Eurovision exhibition (5th - 29th May) with a dazzling array of Eurovision stars and facts were on display!

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre - ECO-UNESCO Environmental Education Workshop Programme

ECO-UNESCO, Ireland's environmental education and youth organisation, held a two day workshop in Dundalk in conjunction with the ED Centre. This two day workshop took place in Dundalk Library on 18th & 19th May, 2010. This programme tailored to suit local transition year pupils and two themes were organised for the workshops. Day 1 Energy Education Day 2 Waste Education The aim of these workshops was to raise environmental awareness, understanding and knowledge of the environment among young people. The workshops also aimed to promote the protection and conservation of the environment and the personal development of young people through practical environmental projects and activities.

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre - My Place in Europe

Louth County Libraries hosted a display to celebrate Europe Day. The display, entitled "My Place in Europe" ran from 11th-15th May in Ardee Library. It was based on projects completed by the local primary schools and secondary level school in Ardee. The projects were based on the students interpretation of their place in the European Union and included letters to European penpals, written pieces about the local community and a visual display detailing European capitals, flags, national dishes and phrases in various languages.

World Biodiversity Day

World BiodiversityDay -22nd Mayhttp://ec.europa.eu/environment/biodiversity/campaign/index_en.htm

Prize winners celebrate Europe Day at Europe Direct, Waterford

The Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre at Central Library was a hive of activity last Saturday afternoon (8 May) as the Deputy Mayor of Waterford Cllr. Cha O’Neill and the talented young prize winners celebrated Europe Day with library staff at a special ceremony.

The two lucky winners of the ‘Where I am from…’ poetry competition and ‘Colour a Superhero’ colouring competition Mollie Crawford and Yuriy Eliyashevskyy were presented with their bicycles by the Deputy Mayor. There were also nine runner-up prize winners.

Cllr. Cha O’Neill told the prize winners all aged between 8 and 11 who were assembled with their proud family and friends; “There were a lot of entries, 481 to be precise, and the standard was very high! So you should all be very proud to be one of the best entries here today”. The Where I am from…’ poetry competition celebrated the diversity of the class room community and ‘Colour a Superhero’ encouraged children to name and colour a climate change fighting superhero.

City Librarian, Jane Cantwell explained; “The Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, run here from Central Library is a contact point for all queries on the EU for the South East Region. The Centre aims to promote informed debate and active European citizenship by providing EU information tailored to meet the needs of the local community”.

The Europe Direct Information Centre also thanked Declan Pierce from The Comixstop for creating the artwork and O’Mahonys Bookshop for sponsoring books for the runner-up prizes.

You can contact the Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre on 051 849975 or by email europedirect@waterfordcity.ie. The Centre is also on facebook at www.facebook.com/eudirect.

Colour a Superhero Competition

First Place: Yuriy Eliyashevskyy, Mount Sion N.S. Second Place: Julia Cyfer, Waterpark N.S. Third Place: Hannah Dalton, Our Lady of Mercy N.S. Runners Up: Lance Baylon, St Mary’s N.S. Ross O’Donovan, Gael Scoil Phortláirge and Niamh-Anni Bent, Gael Scoil Phortláirge.

‘Where I am From’ Poetry Competition

First Place: Mollie Crawford, St Ursula’s N.S. Second Place: Queen Aisha Ganiyn, Our Lady of Mercy S.N.S. Third Place: Brooklyn Quinn, Ballygunner N.S. Runners Up: Grace McGrath, St Ursula’s N.S. and Gopika Suresh Vadackal, St Ursula’s N.S.

For more information contact Sinead O’Higgins 051 849975 or email europedirect@waterfordcity.ie

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre - Cookery with a European Flavour

To further celebrate Europe Day and the Bealtaine Festival, the Europe Direct Centre Dundalk hosrted a cookery demonstration in Dundalk Library at 2.30pm on Thursday, 13th May.

Local chef Pat Kerley demonstrated his cooking skills and prepared a three course meal with selected European dishes. All attendees werel invited to sample his mouthwatering recipes!

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre - Organic Gardening

Local gardener Pamela Whitaker hosted an information session on organic gardening at 11am on Wednesday, 12th May 2010.The organic approach to growing recognises that all living things depend on one another and that all are inter-related.

Pamela gave a talk on our responsibilities regarding how we should treat the soil and the environment to safeguard it for future generations. She demonstrate her practical skills by planting a small vegetable garden beside the library building.

Letterkenny Europe Direct Centre - 'Can Europe take the lead in dealing with Climate Change?'

As part of the Europe Day celebrations at Letterkenny, EU Direct Centre, held a talk entitled ‘Can Europe take the lead in dealing with Climate Change?’. It was aimed at schools and the general public on key issues regarding sustainability, climate change, the future and how you can make a positive difference? On the 7th May the centre hosted the event. The event had a New Zealand flavour, but with direct relevance to Ireland and how we can meet our responsibilities where climate change and the future is concerned. We were delighted to welcome Tony Kearney who hosted the event. Earth Whisperers (Short Film) was shown which was filmed in spectacular locations around New Zealand and shows a special group of New Zealander's who are out to prove that a shift in consciousness can help heal the environment. There was a discussion about the issues raised by the film during which Tony talked about issues facing Europe and Climate change.

Killarney Library - 'A day in the life of an M.E.P'

Europe Direct Information Centre-Killarney Library as part of [Spring Day for Europe] hosted a talk by Sean Kelly , M.E.P on Monday 10th of May. Post Primary school students were invited and all who attended found the session very informative, light refreshments were served and media coverage was arranged.

Carraroe Europe Direct Centre - Europe Day Celebration

ED Carraroe celebrated Europe Day in conjunction with Scoil Chuimsitheach Chiaráin,the local second level school.Transition year students completed projects on different European countries.ED Carraroe had an information stand at the school and the event was opened to the public.

Europe Day event at Inishbofin Library

To celebrate Europe Day and as part of the Inishbofin Arts Festival,poet John Liddy ,an Irish poet who has lived in Madrid for many years, read from the work of Spanish poet,Miguel Hernandez.Miguel Hernandez,a goatherd born in 1910 in a village in eastern Spain ,received limited formal education.He spent the last 3 years of his tragic life in Franco’s prisons,where he died on March 28th,1942, before he was 32 years old.

John Liddy also read from some of his own work at this event.

Ballinasloe Europe Direct Centre -Europe Day Celebration

Details:

To Celebrate Bealtaine and Europe Day, Kilconnell Art Group launched an exhibition of their work at ED Ballinasloe with traditional music by Fainne an Chladaigh and a singalong by Ballinasloe Active Retirement Association.

Ballinasloe Europe Direct Centre -Quiz on Europe

Details:

In association with ED Ballinasloe,Eyrecourt Library will be having a Quiz on Europe and the European Union for 5th/6th Class pupils from Eyrecourt National School.

Ballinasloe Europe Direct Centre - Teddy Bears Picnic

A Teddy Bears Picnic with a European twist took place at ED Ballinasloe with Hayley Aldhous. Stories,music,and crafts with a European flavour and,of course,a picnic!

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre - Europe Day Celebrations

Details:

To celebrate Europe Day local radio station Dundalk FM hosted a live broadcast from Dundalk Library from 10am-12pm on May 7th 2010. The programme of events, including a guest appearance by Scottish poet Sandy Sneddon, was aimed at celebrating Europe Day whilst publicising and promoting the Europe Direct Centre.

Blanchardstown Library - Events to Celebrate Europe Day

A Eurovision exhibition (5th - 29th May) is also running at the moment with a dazzling array of Eurovision stars and facts are on display!

Entry forms for the Eurovision quiz competition will be available at Blanchardstown Library from Wednesday 5th May. The closing date for the competition is Saturday 29th May.

For further details contact the Library at 8905563 or email blanchlib@fingalcoco.ie

Killarney Library - Spanish for holidaymakers

Spanish for holidaymakers, was held over 4 Saturday mornings from 11.00 a.m to 12.30p.m beginning on 10,of April, 17th and 24th of April, and finally on the 8th of May

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre - The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Dundalk Europe Direct Centre -Cross Making Workshops

Killarney Library - Traditional Christmas Carols

Killarney Library - Display Christmas Markets in Germany

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