For 2016, our theme is Iconic Citizens, which continues Bealtaine’s three-year exploration of Nationhood and Citizenship and specifically reflects on the first generations of citizens inhabiting the new Irish State. The festival will also consider where we are, culturally, as a maturing nation and people.

Come join us to celebrate Bealtaine Festival’s 21st Birthday! We invite you to join with us in celebrating and marking the festival’s coming of age. Bealtaine is the nationwide arts festival celebrating creativity as we age (over 50s) and takes place during May. Waterford City & County Library Service invites you to explore your creative side, discover a talent until now unseen or a chance for a long-dormant skill to find a new outlet with a range of free, fun activities, workshops, talks and much more. All events are free. Places are limited for all events. Booking is essential. Bookings will be taken from Monday 18 April 2016. You can also visit our Website at www.waterfordcouncil.ie (click on Library Services) for programme information. Bealtaine is co-ordinated by Age & Opportunity, the national organisation that inspires everyone to reach their full potential as they age. It takes place each May countrywide and over 120,000 people now take part in Bealtaine. Taking its name from the ancient Celtic festival celebrating springtime, Bealtaine celebrates renewal, creativity and growth in ageing.

Writing, Stories & Tales Public Reading To celebrate Poetry Day, Tramore Library will host a Poetry Reading Tea

Party where members of the public can come along and listen to/read their favourite pieces of poetry. Also on display, for the week, will be an exhibition of writings from the local Adult Literacy Group.

Tramore Library Thu. 28 Apr 2.30pm All welcome.

Waterford Writers’ Weekend This festival promotes the art and craft of writing and celebrates creativity in all generations. Highlights in the Library include: Gene Kerrigan on 1916 and the Scrap: in conversation with Waterford

Historian James Doherty A true story of the 1916 rising, taken from first-hand evidence as seen by one rebel unit - F Company, 2nd Battalion. Central Library Fri. 6 May 2.30pm – 3.30pm Phone 0761 102983 or visit www.waterfordwritersweekend.ie to reserve a place. Perfectly Formed; The Art of the Short Story with Sinéad Gleeson, Nuala

O’Connor, Tom Morris and Orla Shanaghy. Sinéad, Nuala and Tom, discuss the art of the short story with local writer Orla. Central Library Fri. 6 May 7.30pm – 8.30pm

Phone 0761 102983 or visit www.waterfordwritersweekend.ie to reserve a place.

Storytelling, the Abbey Theatre, and 1916

The rich Irish storytelling tradition was an essential part of the Gaelic Revival in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Ray McGrath who has given storytelling sessions and workshops in Canada and Ireland for over 25 years is our storyteller for this 90 minute interactive session. The session traces the contribution of Yeats and Lady Gregory to the Gaelic Revival, the Abbey Theatre and eventually to the Easter Rising. The audience will be invited to participate in the reading of the Yeats/Gregory one act play, Cathleen Ni Houlihan. Ardkeen Library Sat. 14 May 3.00pm Tramore Library Thu. 19 May 6.30pm

All Welcome. Spaces are limited. Booking is essential.

Saturday Storytime with Granny and Granddad Storytime with Granny and Granddad, why not treat your Granny and

Granddad to a story in the Library. See you all for fun and stories. Dungarvan Library Sat. 14 May 11:00am

All are welcome.

Writing/Craft Workshops

Women Writing about the Women of 1916 St Brigid’s Family and Community Centre is giving you the opportunity to celebrate the women of 1916 with this free writing course, facilitated by Derbhile Dromey. This workshop will give women the opportunity to be inspired by the lives of ordinary women during the Rising, to research and write about their lives and will be done in collaboration with the team who will create the arts and crafts of the same period.

Crafts of 1916 Workshop This workshop is for women who would like to explore the crafts of 1916 and will be run in conjunction with the participants of the “Women Writing about the Women of 1916” workshop where both teams will work together to complete the project. Both these courses will run for three weeks and participants need

to be available for all three weeks. No previous knowledge of 1916 life is needed. Central Library Wednesdays 4, 11 & 18 May 10.15am – 1.15pm Workshops are free. Spaces are limited. Booking is essential.

Exhibitions and Art

Art Art teacher, Susan Enticknap will be helping you explore your artistic side using various art forms including linocut print making with inks, watercolours and acrylic paints. All materials supplied.

“Landscapes and Seascapes” Dunmore East Library Wed. 4 May 10.30am – 12.00pm

Tramore Library Fri. 6 May 10.30am – 12.30pm Ardkeen Library Mon. 9 May 10.30am – 12.30pm “Portraits” using Acrylic Paints

Central Library Tue. 17 May 10.30am – 12.30pm Brown’s Rd. Library Fri. 20 May 10.30am – 12.30pm

“Linocuts” - Print Making with Inks Brown’s Rd. Library Tue. 3 May 10.30am – 12.30pm

Central Library Tue. 10 May 10.30am – 12.30pm Tramore Library Mon. 16 May 10.30am – 12.30pm Ardkeen Library Tue. 24 May 10.30am – 12.30pm

All workshops are free. Spaces are limited. Booking is essential. One booking only for each workshop.

Exhibitions

Nothing Compares to the Simple Pleasure of Riding a Bike A collection of images inspired by the words of John F. Kennedy, and presented by Cyclist.ie – The Irish Cycling Advocacy network. This exhibition aims to counter the current dominant image of cycling as a sport and present “normalised” cycling – for everyday, for everyone. Index Gallery, Central Library Mon. 25th April – Sat 7th May

Photographic Exhibition An exhibition from the Heritage Centre of photographs of Portlaw and it’s People will be on display in Portlaw Library throughout the month of May. Portlaw Library 1 – 31 May

Poetry Display – “A Poem for Ireland”

These poems were written by the students of Blackwater Community School as part of the “1916 Centenary Commemorations". Lismore Library 1 -31 May

“Iconic Men of Tramore in the 20th Century”

Come along to see this interesting exhibition about the history of 10 Local Men from Tramore’s Past, with a display of photographs and the written word to recall the lives of some of the local iconic citizens. Tramore Library 1 - 31 May. Launch Thu. 5 May

An Exhibition of work by Waterford Artist Paul Kirby Waterford based artist, designer and illustrator Paul Kirby will exhibit his work with a graphic and comic theme. Paul is part of the Waterford Homecrafts co-operative. Index Gallery, Central Library 9 – 21 May

Arts and Crafts Exhibition of Works A display of the art and craft work done by members of the local “CnocBuí” Active Retirement Group. Ardkeen Library, 10 – 21 May

Art and Craft Exhibition Exhibition of local Art and Craft facilitated by the Tallow Enterprise Centre.

Tallow Library, Fri. 20 May, Thu. & Fri. 26 & 27 May

Bealtaine Exhibition A selection of art and craft works produced during the festival will be on display in the Index Gallery, Central Library from Wed. 1 to Sat. 11 June. Index Gallery, Central Library 1 – 11 June

Healthy Mind/ Healthy Life

Happiness and Wellbeing with Mary Fitzgerald Heal Your Life Coach, Mary Fitzgerald will run a workshop on wellbeing and happiness following the Louise Hay method. Ardkeen Library Tue. 3 May 3.00pm

Circle Dance Workshop Natural Dance Facilitator, Kate Crotty will help create positive thinking, promote self awareness and give you a gentle, healing way to bring body, mind and spirit together in this workshop. Ardkeen Library Thu. 5 May 3.00pm Central Library Thu. 12 May 3.00pm

Feeling Fabulous after 50 with Nutrition This nutrition talk is given by Barbara Boland and will guide you towards the foods and vitamins etc. to keep you looking and feeling good. Tramore Library Mon. 9 May 10.30am

Wellness Information Workshop Siobhan Twomey, local practitioner, will host an information morning on therapies, including Reflexology, Naturopathy and Nutrition. Lismore Library Mon. 9 May 10.00am - 11.30am

Eye Health Talk Ophthalmic Optician, Garvan Mulligan, with give a talk on how to look after your eye health, care and protection of the eyes and symptoms to watch out for. Ardkeen Library Wed. 11 May 3.o0pm

Relaxation and Meditation with Catherine Cooney Complimentary therapist, Catherine Cooney will do relaxation and meditation in a group setting. This will be a relaxing and enjoyable morning and all are welcome. Portlaw Library Thu. 19 May 11.00am – 1.00pm

Nutrition for Maintaining Energy and Vitality after 50 Barbara Boland will talk about nutrition to maintain your energy and vitality, especially for this 21st year of celebration for Bealtaine. Central Library Thu. 26 May 3.00pm

Stress Management and Relaxation through Meditation Learn how to switch off and be able to let go of all the little niggles, stresses, strains and tensions of the day and learn coping skills for personal inner calm with Eileen Power, Certified Therapist.

Ardkeen Library Tue. 31 May 6.30pm – 7.30pm Sessions are free. Spaces are limited. Booking is essential.

Crafts Quilting Taster Workshop

Áine Foley from Lismore will teach the basic steps involved in Quilting and Patchwork. All materials will be supplied. Lismore Library Mon. 16 May 10.30am - 12.30pm

All workshops are free. Spaces are limited. Booking is essential.

Competition Time - Win a €100 Waterford Chamber Gift Voucher!

Tell us about your “Iconic Citizen” Continuing Bealtaine’s three-year exploration of nationhood, citizenship, land and country with this year’s theme of “Iconic Citizens”, our competition gives you the opportunity to tell us about your Iconic Citizen, from your everyday life when you were growing up or someone who impresses you today in approximately 15 words, by entering our draw and being in with a chance to win this voucher worth €100. Simply fill in the form below and return it to your local Library branch or email your entry to mfoley@waterfordcouncil.ie All entries must be submitted to a Library branch by 5.30pm on Friday 20 May 2016.

My Iconic Citizen is....

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Name: ________________________________

Tel. No.: _______________________________

Out & About

Plant a Hanging Basket Hanging baskets are a great way of creating a tidy, clean and professional looking outdoor area, whether it’s for your own back, front garden or for your community. Learn how to plant a hanging basket, get tips on how to sow and maintain your hanging baskets for a beautiful summer display with horticulturist Alan Hartery from Country Life Store, Dungarvan.

Dungarvan Library Wed. 18 May 11:00am.

Heritage Trail All are welcome to come along on a heritage walking trail starting and finishing in Cappoquin Library. This trail, facilitated by the Cappoquin Heritage Group, will be approximately 3-4km in length. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing. Cappoquin Library Tue. 10 May 10.30am – 12.00pm

Biodiversity/Heritage Trail All are welcome to come along and join this trail, combining the Tidy Towns Biodiversity Trail with the Lismore Heritage Town Trail. This walk is facilitated by Lismore Heritage Centre and will be approximately 3- 4km in length starting at Lismore Library and finishing at Lismore Heritage Centre. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing.

Lismore Library Tue. 17 May 11.00am & 3.00pm

All walks are free. Spaces are limited. Booking is essential.

Three Sisters 2020 Information & Discussion In a bid to win the title of European Capital of Culture for Ireland in 2020 the three

counties of Kilkenny, Waterford & Wexford have come together to transform the

South East Region and collectively focus our creative & cultural energies to look to

a stronger future. Come to this information talk from Emma, a member of the

team, to find out what it is all about and how you can help do your “bit for the bid”

and become a part of the Three Sisters story. #BitForTheBid

Ardkeen Library Tue. 17 May 6.30pm

Ceol agus Craic

Performance/Concert: Remembering Delia Murphy Discover the life and musical career of the iconic Irish singer Delia Murphy by her niece Carmen Cullen, with an illustrated talk and renditions of some of Delia’s best known songs, sung by Carmen with musician Gerry Anderson. Known as “The Queen of Connemara”, Delia Murphy was a pioneering figure in Irish folk music and Remembering Delia Murphy highlights the pivotal role she played in the development of Irish song, in particular the Irish ballad. As well as assisting Hugh O'Flaherty (the "Vatican pimpernel") in hiding Jews and escaped allied soldiers from the Nazis, Delia led a very interesting life up to her death in 1971. Remembering Delia Murphy will be performed by her niece Carmen Cullen, author of ‘Two Sisters Singing’. Live music is by Gerry Anderson who is a music teacher, song writer and composer and also guitarist for the Irish/Italian group, Tambourine. Roll back the years with The Spinning Wheel and other much loved songs. Dramatised reading as part of the show. Carmen is a native of Templemore and daughter of Angela Murphy, sister of Delia. Enjoy a gentle show to bring you down memory lane. Dungarvan Library Wed. 4 May 6:30pm Central Library Thu. 5 May 11.00am

Ceol le Laochra - Traditional Music Session

Seisiún ceol traidisúnta le Laochra, grúpa ceoltóirí óga ó Mheánscoil San Nioclás sa Rinn. Leabharlann Dhún Garbhán, Déardaoin, 12 Bealtaine 18.30

Presenting "Laochra", a local group of young musicians who attend Meánscoil San Nioclás, An Rinn. They have a beautiful unique sound, so why not pop along to this free event.

Dungarvan Library on Thu. 12 May 6:30pm

Set Dance Workshop

You can’t beat a “hooley in the kitchen,” so why not try a “hooley in the Library” with Helen and Paddy Kealy from Old Parish, Dungarvan. Come along and join in the craic. Dungarvan Library on Fri. 20 May 11:00am All events are free. Spaces are limited. Booking is essential.

Lets Celebrate!

Bealtaine All Day Teaparty Come in and join us for a free cuppa, a chat, and celebrate Bealtaine’s 21st Birthday, there may even be coffee. All are welcome. Tallow Library Fri. 20 May 10.00am – 5.00pm

Coffee Morning Come in and join us for a free cuppa, a chat, and celebrate Bealtaine’s 21st Birthday. All are welcome. Cappoquin Library Wed. 18 May 11.00am – 12.30pm Kilmacthomas Library Thu. 12 May 11.00am – 12.00

Dawn Chorus All are welcome to join in the springtime Dawn Chorus in the lovely surroundings of Dunmore East followed by tea and scones. Dunmore East Library Sun. 29 May 8.00am All are welcome.

Dusk Chorus Celebration All are welcome to take part in the grand finale event, “The Dusk Chorus Celebration”. This night of song, wine and cheese hosted by the Waterford Europe Direct Information Centre, is a chance for all to come and celebrate the end of the Bealtaine Festival and an opportunity for the Waterford Libraries to say thank-you to all who took part. During this

evening, there will be a performance from the “Bealtaine Choir” and the exhibition of artworks will be officially launched. The choir will also be joined by the newly formed local “Samaritans Choir” during this event.

All are welcome! Central Library Wed. 1 June 6.30pm

Booking is essential. To book, please call in to your local Library branch, phone or email us as detailed below.

Ardkeen Library 0761-102755 or mfoley@waterfordcouncil.ie

Brown’s Rd. Library 0761-102614 or mcarbery@waterfordcouncil.ie

Cappoquin Library 058-52263 or bleahy@waterfordcouncil.ie

Dungarvan Library 0761-102143 or gcroughan@waterfordcouncil.ie

Dunmore East Library 051-383211 or mfoley@waterfordcouncil.ie

Kilmacthomas Library 051-294270 or gcroughan@waterfordcouncil.ie

Lismore Library 058-21377 or bleahy@waterfordcouncil.ie

Portlaw Library 051-387402 or hfogarty@waterfordcouncil.ie

Tallow Library 058-56347 or bleahy@waterfordcouncil.ie

Tramore Library 0761-102593 or lkinsella@waterfordcouncil.ie

Waterford Central Library 051-849975 or sohiggins@waterfordcouncil.ie

Or Find Us at:

www.twitter.com/WaterfordLibs

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www.waterfordcouncil.ie