BEALTAINE 2016Dublin City Public Libraries presents
celebrating creativity as we age
Brought to you by Age & Opportunity
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Bealtaine Festival 2016
CrAfTS
CrEATIvE WrITINg
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ExhIBITIoNS
LIBrArIES LISTINg
Welcome
In our rich tradition, Bealtaine has traditionally been
a time for growth, marking the end of winter and the
beginning of summer.
Each year during May, Dublin City Public Libraries
celebrates Bealtaine, the national festival to
celebrate creativity as we age and this year we
invite you to come into any of our twenty libraries
throughout the City and experience something new!
Be inspired by what’s on your doorstep at Cabra
Library with artist Claire Halpin. Sing your Cares
Away in the Central library or marvel at the After ‘16
film series. Being creative is about doing, so why not
make a silk screen picture or learn how to make
and decorate cards. Those with or without green
fingers may like to find out the secret to having an
edible garden at Ringsend and Terenure libraries.
While there’s plenty to do, you can also check out
the diverse collections in your branch library. Join
up for free membership if you are not already a
member. You might even be tempted by the titles
on this year’s International DUBLIN Literary Award
Shortlist. The winner will be announced on Thursday
9th June. Our libraries now offer e-books and
e-magazines and you can now master a language
from your phone.
This May, spend a little time on yourself. Between
books, exhibitions and events, you will be so busy
exploring your library, you won’t have a minute for
anything else.
There’s plenty on offer, and it’s all free, so open your
window to let spring come in and open your mind to
something new. It will do you a world of good!
margaret hayes
Dublin City Librarian
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Admission is free to all events;
Booking advised at the relevant library.
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Bealtaine Festival 2016
Craft Workshops with Ann McFadden
SILk PAINTINg
10.30am, Thursday 12 May, Ballymun Library
An introduction to the gentle and relaxing art of
painting on silk. Its easy, its fun and the results
are amazing!! You will learn how to paint a silk
handkerchief and no experience is required.
3D DéCouPAgE
10.30am, Tuesday 24 May, Phibsboro Library
Learn how to make beautiful and distinctive cards;
materials are provided – all you need is a little
patience and a lot imagination.
CrEATIvE CoLLAgE
10.30am, Tuesday 17 May, Ballyfermot Library
Make a small collage using a variety of materials,
such as embellished papers, stickers, fabric ribbons
etc. Be amazed at the results and how easy it is to
create a unique piece of craft work.
CrAfTS
fABrIC APPLIqué AND vELvET EmBoSSINg
10.30am, Wednesday 18 May, Coolock Library
A demonstration of two distinct craft skills. Learn to
make fabric collages and how to emboss on velvet
to create contemporary patchwork pieces and
produce cards, cushions and items of clothing.
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how to felt a beautiful Picture in Wool and Silk
10.30am, Thursday 26 May, Walkinstown Library
Textile artist Miriam Brady demonstrates easy to
learn felt making techniques. Work with wool and
silk materials to create your own picture ready
for framing. Suitable for beginners, no previous
experience necessary. Places limited.
knitting Taster Session
3pm, Thursday 19 May, Inchicore Library
Join members of the library knitting group for an
open taster session to knit, chat and knit some
more! Members will demonstrate introductory
knitting skills. Welcome to everyone from beginners
to experts.
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get Writing! Creative Writing Workshops
11am, Thursday 19 & 26 May, Ballymun Library
Based on the theme ‘Dublin in the Coming Times,’
these workshops will help you get started and gain
more confidence in putting pen to paper.
Everyone has a story to tell! Working with
experienced facilitators you soon be filling the page
with your own unique stories about Dublin and what
it might become. The workshops will be fun and
relaxed and are designed to be enjoyable.
Participants will be encouraged to continue writing
and expressing themselves – the workshops are just
the beginning!
This is a 2-part workshop series in partnership with
Fighting Words. Participants wishing to attend must
sign up for both sessions.
CrEATIvE WrITINg
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Classic film Club
2pm, Tuesday 10 & 17 May and also 2pm,
Wednesday 11 & 18 May, Pearse Street Library
To celebrate Bealtaine, Pearse Street Library will
screen four classic films exploring the experience
of growing older. This common theme is played out
with wit and wisdom in these timeless drama films.
Light refreshments from 1.30pm with film screening
at 2.00pm sharp. Check with library for film details.
providing free tutoring in creative writing for students of all ages in Ireland. www.fightingwords.ie
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Bealtaine Festival 2016
After ’16 film Series
Bord Scannán na hEireann / the Irish Film Board
is delighted to present its collection of After ’16
short films. After ’16 is a once off short film initiative
specially commissioned to commemorate and
celebrate the centenary of the 1916 Easter Rising, a
period in Irish history which forged the landscape of
the century that followed.
The nine short films that make up the collection are
a creative response by Irish filmmakers to the events
of 1916. The stories told are a mixture of live action
drama, animation and documentary.
Bord Scannán na hEireann / the Irish Film Board is
the national development agency for Irish filmmaking
and the Irish film, television and animation industry.
A Terrible HullabalooMy Life for Ireland
VIeWIng SCheduLe
5.30pm, Thursday 5 May, Raheny Library
5pm, Tuesday 10 & 17 May, Ballyfermot Library
6.30pm, Wednesday 11 & 18 May, Inchicore Library
6.30pm, Wednesday 18 May, Rathmines Library
6.30pm, Wednesday 18 May, Finglas Library
6.15pm, Wednesday 18 May, Terenure Library
6pm, Wednesday 18 & 25 May, Coolock Library
2pm, Saturday 21 May, Cabra Library
10.45am, Wednesday 25 May, Charleville Mall Library
FILM
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Lunchtime Concert with Florence Chong, Soprano and Seho Lee, Pianist
1pm, Thursday 12 May, Music Library,
Central Library, Ilac Centre
Malaysian soprano, Florence Khei Kuan Chong
is currently a student of the Royal Irish Academy
of Music in Dublin where she studies voice with
Virginia Kerr. She has actively participated in
competitions and music festivals in Ireland and
has won numerous awards, including the Newpark
Music Festival Ruth Beare Perpetual Cup (First Prize,
2015), the Margaret Dillon Prize (First Prize, 2015),
and the Sligo Feis Ceoil Cup for Songs by Italian
Composers (Second Prize, 2015).
South Korean pianist, Seho Lee has been Inaugural
Accompaniment Teaching Fellow and International
Relations Representative at the Royal Irish Academy
of Music since 2014. He combines this role with that
of Principal Pianist and Repetiteur at Vivre Musicale
in Dublin, Assistant Director at Jackdaws Opera
Young Artist Programme and the Live Music Now
Artist in the UK. Their programme includes works by
Haydn, Mozart, Debussy and others.
T: 8734333 ext 5 or e: [email protected]
Admission Free. Places are limited and booking
is essential.
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Florence Khei Kuan Chong
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Calling all music Enthusiasts!
Afternoons in May, Music Library, ILAC Centre
What type of music do you like – Classical, Folk,
Jazz, World?
At the click of a mouse you can now listen to your
favourite pieces on demand or find out about your
favourite composer. Naxos Online Music Library
will allow you to do just that. Why not book a Taster
Session in the Music Library, ILAC Centre any
afternoon in May and the Music Library staff will
show you just how easy it really is.
To book a place and for further information:
T. 873 4333 ext 5 or e. [email protected]
Bodhrán Beats Beginners Workshop
12pm, Thursday 5 May, Ballyfermot Library
2.30pm,Thursday 5 May, donaghmede Library
Ever wanted to learn to play a traditional music
instrument?
Bodhrán Beats workshops are fun, educational
and collaborative.
Master musician Robert O Connor from Tempo
Music School will guide each participant through the
learning experience culminating in a fantastic
live performance.
During the workshop each participant will learn how
to accompany live Irish music. Participants will be
brought from being complete novices to being able
to accompany a polka, a reel and perform a medley
of rhythms.
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‘Singing Your Cares Away’ – a singing workshop with Rachel Dempsey
1pm, Thursday 19 May, Music Library,
Central Library, Ilac Centre
The workshop Singing Your Cares Away is open to
absolutely everyone, regardless of singing ability
and age. Learn to sing a range of easy to learn,
uplifting and inspiring songs from all over the world.
You will also learn about some ways of using the
voice to enhance wellbeing.
There will be no solo singing and you don’t need to
be able to read music. Participants will learn two or
three exercises to take away and try at home on a
regular basis. Rachel will emphasise the fun, joy and
sense of being uplifted that singing can bring.
Admission Free. Places are limited and booking
is essential.
T: 8734333 ext 5 or e : [email protected]
World Dance music recital
1pm, Tuesday 10 May, Pearse Street Library
1.15pm, Tuesday 31 May, Cabra Library
Sit back, relax and enjoy the soothing sounds of
guitarists Gerard Boyle and Luke Tobin. Gerard and
Luke perform well known world music selections
arranged for two Spanish guitars. A performance
not to be missed.
Bealtaine Concert with Dublin City Council Choir
6.15pm, Thursday 26 May, Cabra Library
A special choral performance to celebrate Bealtaine
Festival. Join members of Dublin City Council
Choir, with Musical Director Peter O’Driscoll as they
perform some classic and contemporary favourites.
Bring along a friend and enjoy this special concert.
Rachel Dempsey
Dublin City Council Choir
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The Love Letters of may & James – another side of 1916
6.30pm, Wednesday 11 May, Pearse St. Library
Tessa Finn reads from the letters her grandparents
wrote to each other during 1916. The letters provide
an intimate glimpse into the lives of two people
growing in love, not involved in the conflict but
touched by it in many ways.
The letters were featured on the RTE programme,
16 Letters, broadcast on Easter Sunday.
I will speak their names to my own heart
6.30pm, Tuesday 24 May, Rathmines Library
Readings from the works of Patrick Pearse by actors
Bryan Murray and Una Crawford O’Brien. Musical
accompaniment on harp with Mary O’Donnell.
The readings will provide a revealing insight into
the many facets of Pearse’s life — Booking Essential.
midwife of a Nation
3pm, Friday 27 May, Pearse St. Library
Carnation Theatre presents an hour long
performance, unearthing the dramatic role played by
Cumann na mBan during the Easter Rising.
The performance brings to life characters including
Nurse Elizabeth O’Farrell, Countess Markievicz and
Louise Gavan-Duffy in a coherent, humanising and
entertaining way — Booking Essential.
PErformANCE
Actor Bryan Murray
Tráthnóna filíochta
dé Céadaoin 18 Bealtaine ag 6.30pm,
Leabharlann Ráth eanaigh
Is deas an tráthnóna a bheidh againn Dé Céadaoin,
18 Bealtaine, nuair a bheimid ag éisteach le filíochta
le linn an Chiorcail Comhrá. Tá an ócáid seo á
n-eagrú ag Pobal Chluain Tarbh i gcomhar le Ciorcal
Comhrá Leabharlann Ráth Eanaigh. Tá fáilte roimh
gach duine. Ní gá áirithint a dhéanamh.
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Bealtaine Festival 2016
The queen’s Theatre – an illustrated talk by Cecil Allen
6.30pm, Wednesday 18 May, Marino Library
The Queen’s Theatre, located in Pearse Street was
originally built in 1829 as the Adelphi Theatre.
From its earliest days the theatre celebrated Ireland’s
heroes and her historical characters. Figures such
as St Patrick, Wolfe Tone, Robert Emmet and
Father Murphy were the subjects of her plays.
Long before the Abbey Theatre ever existed, the
Queen’s Theatre was known as the home of
Irish drama.
Relive the history and drama of this famous theatre
with award winning writer Cecil Allen.
Illustration of The Queen’s Theatre, Pearse Street
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TALK
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Twentieth Century Dublin through the eyes of a Tourist
12.30pm, Friday 27 May, Central Library,
ILAC Centre
In this presentation, Jenny Mitcalf uses the Fáilte
Ireland Photographic Collection and the guide
books of the period to explore how Dublin has
been portrayed to visitors during the last century.
The changes in emphasis in terms of places and
activities through the decades are examined.
Jenny, a TCD intern in Dublin City Library and
Archive, is from Manchester and is therefore well-
placed to talk on the subject of how the city is seen
from the outside. Her presentation will encourage
input from the audience, so come along, sit back,
and enjoy images of those clean-cut visitors, guide-
books clasped eagerly in hand, as they make their
way through Dublin’s fair city!
Introduction to mindfulness for older People
7pm, Wednesday 11 May, Walkinstown Library
Mindfulness means to be aware of what is
happening in the present moment. Trained facilitator
Angela Amirault will introduce some simple exercises
and techniques that can be easily incorporated into
your daily routine.
how to grow an Edible garden
6.30pm, Monday 16 May, Ringsend Library
6.30pm, Wednesday 25 May, Terenure Library
Calling all gardening enthusiasts. Horticulturalist
Aoife Munn will provide practical tips and hints on
how to grow your own herbs, vegetables and fruit.
Learn how to be a more environmentally friendly
gardener and how to get the best results from your
garden, regardless of size.
from homemade to handmade
6.30pm, Monday 23 May, dolphin’s Barn Library
Always wanted to present someone special with a
personalized hand crafted gift or looking for some
homemade recipes? This event might be just what
you are looking for. Learn practical tips and ideas
on how to make your own homemade jams and
mouth-watering cordials. The session will include
innovative hints on how to decorate and personalize
handmade gift ideas.
Trinity Library
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Battle of mount Street Bridge
1pm, Wednesday 18 May, Pembroke Library
For several hours on Wednesday 26th April in the
environs of Mount Street Bridge, rebel volunteers
fought off hundreds of British soldiers, inflicting
heavy casualties upon them. This talk will examine
in detail the dramatic sequence of events around
Northumberland Road and Haddington Road which
accounted for a significant proportion of the British
military casualties during the Rising.
In association with Ballsbridge, Donnybrook and
Sandymount Historical Society.
North Strand Bombing – 75th Anniversary Commemoration
2.30pm, Tuesday 31 May, Charleville Mall Library
On the night of 30–31 May 1941, four bombs
were dropped by German aircraft on the North
Strand area of Dublin, killing 28, injuring over 90,
and destroying 300 houses. To commemorate the
75th Anniversary of this tragedy, a special event
will be held at Charleville Mall Library on 31 May
2016 at 2.30pm. Historian and archivist of St.
John Ambulance Brigade Padraig Allen will outline
how the Brigade who were on duty coped with
the injured and dying in North Strand, drawing
on previously unseen records from the St. John
Ambulance Brigade archive. The North Strand
Bombing Exhibition devised by Dublin City Archives
will be on display and extracts from the Dublin
City Archives Oral History Project with survivors
of the bombing will also be played. All welcome.
Booking advised.
Smartphones for older People
10.30am, Tuesday 17 May, Charleville Mall Library
Are you making best use of your smartphone?
They are used to make phone calls and send text
messages but can also be used to access the
internet, check your e-mails and much more. If you
would like to know more about how to add to your
contacts list, how to view your photographs and
download apps to your phone then this session
will provide the answers.
The Life of Dress – A Portrait of Memories
11am, Wednesday 25 May, drumcondra Library
This visual presentation explores a series of dresses
that are based on a narrative. Exploring different
designs, materials and imaging techniques, this
narrative is at once, singular, familial, national and
possibly universal. Fashion designer Adelle Hickey
will also bring along some of her garment designs
for display.
The Life of a Dress
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Exploring Cabra Environs through Sound and visual Art
11am, Thursday 5, 12, 19, 26 May and
11am, Thursday 2 June, Cabra Library
This series of workshops in visual art, facilitated by
artist Claire Halpin, takes the form of an exploratory
project over five sessions looking and listening to
the sounds and landscape of the built and natural
environment around Cabra. Participants will be
encouraged through initial field work exploring the
natural beauty of the local Phoenix Park and the
urban built area around Cabra library, to gather
sounds, images and materials from which to work
with creatively in the practical hands-on series
of workshops.
Places are limited. No experience necessary.
Note participants must undertake to attend all five
workshops in the series.
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Avenue, St Annes Park Dublin byJames Harpur, Coolock Library Art Group
vISuAL ArTS
Bealtaine Art Exhibitions
Work by local art groups will be on display during
May in the following libraries:
CooLoCk LIBrArY
Library Art Group, Monday 16 – Friday 27 May
BALLYmuN LIBrArY
St. Clare’s Day Centre
rAhENY LIBrArY
Windows to Eden Community Art Group
National Drawing Day
Saturday 21 May
National Drawing Day takes place in Museums,
Galleries, Libraries and Cultural Centres across
Ireland. It’s the ideal opportunity to try your hand
at sketching.
Draw away the day at Dublin City Public Libraries.
You don’t need to be artistic. Simply ask for some
paper and drawing tools and make your mark!
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Workshops in Printmaking
10am – 1pm, Tuesday 24 & Wednesday 25 May,
Rathmines Library
In association with Leinster Printmaking Studio.
Artists will share their stories that form part of
Little Stories, Little Prints exhibition. This will be
followed by a workshop in basic printmaking.
Participants will be invited to illustrate a story/artifact
of their choice. Workshop is suitable for beginners.
Places are limited so booking is essential.
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Phoenix Park Deer Photo Credit: Superchilum, Wikimedia Commons
Foggy Dew by Val Hennigan
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Citizens in Conflict: Dublin 1916
dublin City Library and Archive, Pearse Street
Citizens in Conflict: Dublin 1916 is a historic multi-
media exhibition which includes eye witness
accounts and sources such as Dublin Fire Brigade
logbook. Guided tours for groups also available.
It has a particular focus on the Pearse Street area
of the city (formerly Great Brunswick street) where
Patrick and Willie Pearse grew up and where
Boland’s Mill garrison was commanded by Eamon
de Valera. It also remembers the 257 civilians who
were killed during the rising including 40 children.
Group Tours of the Exhibition with historian Donal
Fallon. Register now for a free guided tour for your
group (max 20 per group). The tour lasts approx
30 minutes.
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Gathering Wood, c.1916 (Dublin City Library and Archives)
ExhIBITIoNS
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W & r Jacob and the 1916 rising
Central Library, Ilac Centre
Jacob’s Biscuit Factory on Bishop Street was seized
by a group of Irish volunteers under the command
of Thomas MacDonagh as part of the armed
insurrection against British Rule during Easter 1916.
This six panel exhibition takes a unique slant as it
considers how factory workers were effected by the
Rising & also how the Company Directors reacted
in the aftermath. It draws on the primary source
material from the Jacobs Biscuit Factory Archive
which is now open to public access in Dublin City
Library and Archive.
The exhibition was produced by Dublin City Archives
in collaboration with the Business Information Centre
on behalf of Dublin Public Libraries and funded by
DCC Decade of Commemoration Fund.
Dublin fire Brigade and the 1916 rising Exhibition
dolphin’s Barn Library
The exhibition tells the story of Dublin’s Fire-fighters
during Easter week 1916. The exhibition contains
rarely seen material which has never before
been brought together in one place, including
material from Dublin Fire Brigade’s museum
and private collections.
Exhibits show the impact of the Rising on the city
while, we learn about the Brigade’s involvement
throughout that week. Fire engines and ambulances
crews were on continuous duty dealing with the
ravaging of the city centre, working in dangerous
conditions and at times, under gunfire.
The exhibition also tells the story of fire-fighter Joe
Connolly, who in 1916, as a young Irish Citizen Army
member, left Tara Street Fire Brigade Station to fight
in the Rising. He would return to the brigade after his
release from imprisonment in Frongoch and would
later go on to lead the DFB as Chief Fire Officer.
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Illustration from W&R Jacob Exhibition
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Little Stories, Little Prints
Rathmines Library
Printmakers were invited by The Leinster
Printmaking Studio, Clane, Co. Kildare to create
‘little prints’ on ‘little known events or incidents’
during or around the time of the 1916 Rising. The
artists were encouraged to research incidents and
aspects of life at the time of the Rising and to create
little prints in response to their research. The result
is an eclectic mix of interpretations of both the brief
and of the artists’ research.
Fireworks by Dominc TurnerIllustration from Here We are at the Risk of Our Lives
here We Are At The risk of our Lives
Central Library, ILAC Centre
The exhibition presents the fictitious character of
Kitty Kelly, a music hall star who tells the story
of the 1916 Rising from the burning boards of
the Coliseum Theatre. The exhibition will feature
archival theatre, newsreel footage and witness
statements. The exhibition is the result of a two-year
collaboration between visual artist Sue Morris, and
theatre academic and practitioner Susanne Colleary.
A Tinted view
Monday 16 – Saturday 28 May, Finglas Library
A photography exhibition by the Finglas Library
Photo Group with an Old-Style Appearance.
A Series of Sepia-Coloured Prints on topics old
and modern. This exhibition is created by members
of Finglas Library Photo Group who meet every
second Monday at 7.00pm. New members
welcome, enquire at library.
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BALLYfErmoT LIBrArY T. 626 9324 e. [email protected]
BALLYmuN LIBrArY T. 841 890 e. [email protected]
CABrA LIBrArY T. 869 1414 e. [email protected]
CENTrAL LIBrArY T. 873 4333 e. [email protected]
ChArLEvILLE mALL LIBrArY T. 874 9619 e. [email protected]
CooLoCk LIBrArY T. 847 7781 e. [email protected]
DoLPhIN’S BArN LIBrArY T. 454 0681 e. [email protected]
DoNAghmEDE LIBrArY T. 848 2833 e. [email protected]
DrumCoNDrA LIBrArY T. 837 7206 e. [email protected]
DuBLIN CITY LIBrArY AND ArChIvE T. 674 4873 e. [email protected]
fINgLAS LIBrArY T. 834 4906 e. [email protected]
INChICorE LIBrArY T. 453 3793 e. [email protected]
kEvIN ST. LIBrArY Currently closed for necessary structural work.
mArINo LIBrArY T. 833 6297 e. [email protected]
PEArSE ST. LIBrArY T. 674 4888 e. [email protected]
PEmBrokE LIBrArY T. 668 9575 e. [email protected]
PhIBSBoro’ LIBrArY T. 830 4341 e. [email protected]
rAhENY LIBrArY T. 831 5521 e. [email protected]
rAThmINES LIBrArY T. 497 3539. e. [email protected]
rINgSEND LIBrArY T. 668 0063 e. [email protected]
TErENurE LIBrArY T. 490 7035 e. [email protected]
WALkINSToWN LIBrArY T. 4558159. e. [email protected]
For further information on events in dublin City Public Libraries for Bealtaine, please check
our website at www.dublincitypubliclibraries.ie or contact your local library.
AgE frIENDLY ovEr 55’s oPEN DAY 1 – 5 pm, Thursday 19 May, Central Library, ILAC Centre
1pm – 2pm ‘Singing Your Cares Away’(Pre booking at Central Library)
2pm – 2.30pm Lord mayor in Attendance
3pm – 4pm Balance and mindfulness SessionsThese are Seated Classes.
3pm – 5pm older Persons ‘NCT’ health Check
ALSO 1916 Commemorative Exhibition: ‘Here We Are At The Risk of Our Lives’
Tea/Coffee/Refreshments will be available
Information Stands will be hosted by representatives from the following groups:
Third Age: Senior helpline, gardai, Age Action, Dublin volunteer Centre, Larkin Centre, City of Dublin EducationalTraining Board, Alone, Codema: Dublin’s Energy Agency, go for Life: Age & opportunity, Dublin City Council: Libraries/fire Brigade / Sports, Dublin Town.
An initiative of Dublin City Council Central Area Office
For further information on events in Dublin City Public Libraries for
Bealtaine, please check our website, find us on facebook or twitter
or contact your local library.
@dubcilib facebook.com/dublinCityPublicLibraries
www.dublincitypubliclibraries.ie
Brought to you by Age & Opportunity