Watch House Cross Community Library

2011-09-07T14:46:00.000+01:00

Unfortunately we will no longer be able to post to this blog,

for information on Watch House Cross Community Library go to

www.limerickcity.ie/library or www.limerick.ie

see our Facebook page or call 061 457726.

Thanks to all our members and friends and keep in touch

Summer Reading Challenge

2011-06-28T15:16:00.000+01:00

Are you a Summer Reading Star?

Read 6 books over the school holidays and be in with a chance to win great prizes this summer.

Try something different with one of our recommended authors like Lincoln Peirce, Hiawyn Oram, Cressida Cowell, Morris Gleitzman Herbie Brennan and many more. Just ask any member of staff for recommendations of new authors you might like to try.

Pick up a booklet in the library and receive a star for every book you finish, ask at the library desk for more details or ring 061 457726

Good luck and have a great summer !

Parent & Toddler Morning

2011-06-24T12:58:00.000+01:00

Thanks to all the mums, minders, babies and toddlers for coming to our wrap up parent and toddler party and for supporting us all year, we've had great fun.

Have a lovely summer, see you all in September and don't for get to spread the word .... because...... Babies Love Books!

The Parent & Toddler Morning will restart

Friday 2nd of September 2011 @ 10.30am

Summer Activities for Kids

2011-06-22T12:31:00.002+01:00

Get messy and have some fun this July in the library, with our free arts & crafts sessions and story times.

Storytime, every Thursday throughout the summer @ 3pm,

Stories, songs, rhymes colouring for 2-6 year olds

Art & Crafts 4-6 yrs Art & Crafts for 7-11yrs

Thursday 7th July 3.30pm Wednesday 6th July 3.30pm

Thursday 14th July 3.30pm Wednesday 13th July 3.30pm

Thursday 21st July 3.30pm Wednesday 20th July 3.30pm

Thursday 28th July 3.30pm Wednesday 27th July 3.30pm

Children must be accompanied by an adult in the library, no booking necessary first come first serve for arts & crafts.

Book of the Month

2011-06-02T19:01:00.001+01:00

Announced on May 18, Philip Roth is the winner of the fourth Man Booker International Prize. He was chosen from a list of 13 eminent contenders. The Man Booker International Prize, worth £60,000, is awarded for an achievement in fiction on the world stage. It is presented once every two years to a living author for a body of work published either originally in English or widely available in translation in the English language.
Check our catalogue for a list of Philip Roth titles available in the library.

The Human Stain - Phillip Roth

Retired professor Coleman Silk has a secret. His secret is deep and lies at the very core of who he is, and he has kept it hidden from everyone for fifty years. Set in 1998, with the backdrop of the impeachment of a president, The Human Stain shows an America where conflicting moralities and ideological division result in public denunciations and houndings, and where innocence is not always a good enough excuse.

'Unnerving, hilarious and sad' New York Times

'The work of a genius at full throttle' Sunday Telegraph

'Astonishing...very beautiful' NY Times Book review

Limerick Intercultural Week

2011-05-24T13:23:00.000+01:00

As part of Limerick Intercultural Week, The Dandelion Puppet Theatre visited the library with their 'Pumpkin Seeds' show of tales from around the world.

Children from Corpus Christi School, St. Munchins Girls School and St. Munchin's Boys School, were enthralled with stories like 'The Rainbow Crow' from North America, 'The Gumeatikakloodlea' from Australia and 'Anansi the spider' from Africa.

Family History Course

2011-05-11T16:21:00.000+01:00

Students from St. Nessans Community School, with their teacher Mary O'Brien creating family trees with genealogist Sean Gannon. The transition year students have spent four one hour sessions in the library, learning about family history, genealogical records and how to create the a family tree.

The family history course can be tailored for primary or secondary school classes. If you are interested, please contact staff for further details

Book of the Month

2011-05-03T14:28:00.000+01:00

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle - David Wroblewski

On a farm in remote Wisconsin, the mute and brilliant Edgar Swatelle leads an idyllic life with his parents, raising a unique breed of dog. But when Edgar's uncle Claude returns unexpectedly, Edgar is forced to flee in to the wilderness and fight for survival. But the questions he has left unanswered, and his devotion to the Savelle dogs, turn Edgar ever homeward.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle is at once a brilliant retelling of an ancient story, a haunting exploration of a boy and the dogs he loves and an epic tale of devotion, betrayal and courage.

'An incredible journey that seems to have everything going for it; the beauty and flair of a great literary novel, the scale and pacing of a fantasy epic, and the absorbing thrill-ride of any glorious rites-of-passage adventure from our collective childhoods.' Sunday Business Post

Whether you read for the beauty of the language or the intricacies of the plot, you will easily fall in love with X’s generous, almost transcendentally lovely debut novel The Story of Edgar Sawtelle ... The scope of this novel, its psychological insight and lyrical mastery make it one of the best novels of the year, and a perfect, comforting joy of a book for the summer.’
Oprah Magazine

Try it you might enjoy it ...........................

Children's Activities - Easter 2011

2011-04-12T15:32:00.002+01:00

Easter Fun For Kids

Bring your kids to the library this Easter for some fun activities.

Storytime takes place every Thursday at 3pm with stories, nursery rhymes, songs and colouring, the more children involved the more fun it is. Art & Craft sessions will take place on Wednesday and Thursdays during the Easter break. Don't forget our parent & toddler morning which takes place every Friday from 10.30am - 12.00pm, its a great way to meet other parents and have some adult conversation while at the same time introducing your child to the world of books!

Crafts 4-6yrs Thursdays 3.30pm

Thursday 21st April 3.30pm

Thursday 28th April 3.30pm

Crafts 7-10yrs Wednesdays 3.30pm

Wednesday 20th April 3.30pm

Wednesday 27th April 3.30pm

Book of the Month

2011-04-05T14:46:00.001+01:00

I'm Not Scared - Niccoló Ammanti

It's a blistering hot summer and nine year old Michele and his gang are exploring the scorched wheatfields that surround their village. When they find an abandoned farmhouse, they place a game of forfeits and Michele makes a terrifying discovery. 'I'm not scared' explores the complex path from childhood innocence to the dark reality of the adult world.

I'm Not Scared is an exquisite parable. Ammaniti's short staccato sentences effectively describe the isolation and simplicity of rural subsistence, while long passages of direct dialogue touchingly portray the children's naive perceptions.' Daily Telegraph

'Niccolo Ammaniti is a writer of vigourous imagination and moral subtlety, [and] Jonathon Hunt's translation is fluent and forceful' Times Literary Supplement

1911 Census Centenary Celebration

2011-03-30T11:32:00.000+01:00

Watch House Cross Library invites you to a celebration of the centenary of the 1911 census

Saturday 2nd April @ 2.30pm

Guest Speakers will discuss,

Why celebrate the 1911 census?

How to search the census.

Social history of the time and the census.

Free Admission. All Welcome.

Book of the Month

2011-03-16T10:53:00.004Z

Lost and lonely, there are many books languishing on the shelves in Watch House Cross Library which although highly acclaimed have either never been borrowed or have only been read once. This new feature hopes to address their plight and encourage our members to take a leap and try something new.

This month's book which received rave reviews in 2006 and has recently been made in to a film, has never been borrowed from the library before.

Winter's Bone by Daniel Woodrell,
is an extraordinarily evocative novel set in the Ozark hills in America, it follows the Ree Dolly a 16 year old girl on a quest to find her father and save her family from ruin.

It brings us all the satisfactions of crime thriller and mystery...The beauty lies in the loveable and wholly believable character of Ree' (Guardian )

'A suspicion grows that you are reading the sort of book D.B.C Pierre's Vernon God Little might have been, had it been five times as keenly observed and deeply felt' (The Times )

'Reading this will make you feel that you walk on very, very thin ice, and know that chaos is very, very close. Such knowledge has many consequences, one of them is exhilaration.'
(Niall Griffiths, Observer )

Try it, you might like it ....... Other lost books to follow every month ....

Alan Quinlan Visit

2011-03-11T12:08:00.003Z

A big Thank You! to Alan Quinlan for taking time out to visit the library and to Bord Gais & Limerick 95 Fm for a fantastic day

Author Visit

2011-02-26T11:55:00.002Z

As part of the Bord Gáis Energy READISCOVER your Library Campaign, Watch House Cross Library is delighted to welcome Alan Quinlan on Wednesday 9th March at 2.30pm.

Alan will discuss his new book 'Red Blooded', it provides a unique insight into professional rugby and reveals a candid portrait of a sportsman who has fought long and hard to live up to the brutal demands of professional rugby. Red Blooded documents the story of Alan's career from starting with Clanwilliam to his time with Shannon, Munster and the national side.

Alan will discuss his book, there will be a meet and greet and a question and answer session in the library....a must for rugby fans of all ages

Local History Course

2011-02-15T13:30:00.000Z

Are you interested in doing a local history course?

We will be running a 10-week course from Wednesday 2nd March (2-3pm).

Contact a member of the library staff for further information.

New Monthly Meeting

2011-01-28T13:22:00.001Z

Welcome to Grow it Yourself Ireland

GIY is a registered charity (CHY 18920) which aims to inspire people to grow their own food and give them the skills they need to do so successfully.

They do this by getting GIYers together online and in community groups around Ireland so that they can learn from each other and exchange tips, ideas and produce. GIY meetings and membership are free and open to people interested in food growing at all levels, i.e. from growing a few herbs on the balcony to complete self-sufficiency, from beginners to old hands.

Monthly meetings will take place here in the library on the last thursday of every month @ 6.00pm-7.30pm, starting from the 24th February

For more details go to www.giyireland.com

2011-01-20T19:18:00.000Z

Unfringed 2011 at Watch House Cross

Friday 28th January, 11am

My life In Dresses by Sorcha Kenny

My Life in Dresses is part oral history, part performance. Its about how we remember things, how we connect with people and the world around us. It’s a journey. I hope you will join me on it.Who will tell the story of your life long after you are gone? Sorcha Kenny believes her dresses will. Sparked by a fascination for second-hand garments, she embarked on a journey to uncover the real life stories behind the dresses lingering in wardrobes all over the country. Like photographs, they are mementos of a treasured past.

Join Sorcha and her best friend Fiona as they introduce you to her virtual wardrobe of stories. Surprisingly, this is not a show about fashion! The walls can’t talk butthe dresses sure can.

2011-01-11T12:17:00.000Z

Happy New Year to all our members and friends!

Fancy trying something new for 2011? Have a look at some of our new books. This is just a small selection of recent additions to our collection, and if you don't spot anything interesting come in and talk to our staff we are always happy to recommend something to suit any taste.

The News Where You Are - Catherine O'Flynn

“Writing a second novel is a nervy business for a writer, especially when the first one has been unexpectedly and wonderfully successful, as was Catherine O'Flynn's debut What Was Lost, which went on to win the 2008 Costa first novel and a cluster of other awards. But O'Flynn need not be nervous. Her second novel, The News Where You Are, establishes her as, let's say, the JG Ballard of Birmingham. As Ballard dealt with the landscape of the motorway and made it his own, so O'Flynn deals with her particular city, finding poetry and meaning where others see merely boredom and dereliction. It is a most moving book. Lightly flinging a joke or two in the reader's direction, a snatch or so of knowledgeable brightness, O'Flynn comes across as the mistress of compassion.… This [is a] blend of Dickens and Alan Bennett, written in the kind of stripped-down, flat style that so suits its time and place. I loved it, and am haunted by it. While What Was Lost benefited from the existence of an actual child ghost ... this book is set in a less metaphorical, less fanciful world, but it has equal power. If you can write two good novels you can write another and another and another: I am sure O'Flynn will and I look forward to them.”--Fay Weldon, The Guardian

Conversations With Myself - Nelson Mandela

'Gathered from letters and bits of Mandela's unpublished autobiography, this book offers fresh and moving insights into the man behind the symbol...' --R W Johnson, Sunday Times Culture Magazine

'The documents present a remarkably candid picture of the former ANC leader... [and] the book also reveals flashes of Mr Mandela's mischievous humour. While being treated in hospital for tuberculosis, he was presented with a breakfast of bacon and eggs which a guard warned him was contrary to the order from his doctor to eat a cholesterol-free diet. The now 92-year-old freedom fighter replied: "Today, I am prepared to die; I am going to eat it."' --Independent

The Empty Family: Stories - Colm Toibín

'I imagined lamplight, shadows, soft voices, clothes put away, the low sound of late news on the radio. And I thought as I crossed the bridge at Baggot Street to face the last stretch of my own journey home that no matter what I had done, I had not done that.’ In the captivating stories that make up The Empty Family Colm Tóibín delineates with a tender and unique sensibility lives of unspoken or unconscious longing, of individuals, often willingly, cast adrift from their history. From the young Pakistani immigrant who seeks some kind of permanence in a strange town to the Irish woman reluctantly returning to Dublin and discovering a city that refuses to acknowledge her long absence each of Tóibín’s stories manage to contain whole worlds: stories of fleeing the past and returning home, of family threads lost and ultimately regained.'

Astonishingly precise, depicting complex and conflicted states of mind with rare clarity (Observer)

The Governor: The Life and Times Of The Man Who Ran Mountjoy - John Lonergan

In his talks to communities throughout the length and breath of Ireland, John Lonergan finds himself coming back to one theme: the importance of kindness. It is an unexpected theme for the former boss of Ireland's biggest and toughest prison, Mountjoy, but then John Lonergan is an unusual man. John entered the prison service in 1968 and in the years that followed, as he saw human nature at its worst - and often, unexpectedly, at its best - he developed a deep understanding both of human nature and of Irish society. Now, after 42 years in the service, 26 of them as the most senior prison officer in the country, John tells his fascinating life story - from his idyllic childhood in rural Tipperary, to coming face to face with the ugliest face of Irish life, to grappling with the politics of working in a service that was the plaything of officials and politicians. His description of life in the prison service is not only a gripping account of humanity at its rawest, but also an invaluable primer for anyone in top level management. Revealing, surprising and inspiring "The Governor" gives a unique insight into modern Ireland.
'Honest, forthright, highly readable ... thoughtful and compassionate' -- The Irish Times 23.10.10

Watch House Cross Community Choir

2010-12-04T15:48:00.000Z

Christmas Soiree
Thursday 9th December 2010
from 6.30pm to 8.00pm at the library

Programme

1. The Light of Christmas.

2. ‘Twas the night before Christmas'

3. NATIVITY CAROL.

4. ‘Todo es necesario'

Andres Penate Mendoza & Choir.

5. One Solitary Life – Hilary Barry.

6. ‘Silent night’ - Gerardine Daly, Harp & Choir.

7. Mix-Mash, The Three Carols!

8. Toyland.

Let it snow! let it snow! let it snow

Free Admission & All Welcome

Christmas Activities

2010-12-04T15:38:00.000Z

Merry Christmas to all our Members & Friends
Events this December in the Library

Children's Activities
Thursdays: Storytime (under 6's)
2nd, 9th & 16th December @3.00pm

Thursdays: Art & Craft (4-6yrs)
2nd, 9th & 16th December @ 3.30pm

Saturdays: Art & Craft (7-12yrs)
4th & 18th December @3.00pm

Friday 17th December:
Christmas Parent & Toddler Morning @ 10.30am
Fun, Games dancing and Prizes. Fancy Dress (optional) Under 6's only

Children's Book Festival 2010

2010-11-12T18:00:00.000Z

Congratulations to our
Children's Book Festival Winners

Chloe Troy - St. Munchin's Girls
Dylan Kelly- JFK School
Laura Ahern - Mary Queen of Ireland, Caherdavin
Sarah Dillon- Mary Queen of Ireland, Caherdavin
Nathan Deveraux - Corpus Christi
Leah Kinnane - St. Leila's
Daniel Brislane - Christ the King, Caherdavin
Lauren Cleary - Corpus Christi
Natalie Cleary - Corpus Christi
Chantelle Holohan - St. Munchin's Girls
Cian Hayes - Christ the King, Caherdavin
Philip Hyland - JFK
Aoife Breen - Mary Queen of Ireland
John Butler - St. Munchin's Boys
Mikey O'Callaghan - St. Munchin's Boys
Mikala Hickey Quaid - Mary Queen of Ireland
Brian Kinsella - St. Leila's
Ashleigh Kelly - St.Leila's
Aoife Brown - Mary Queen of Ireland
Eoin Healy- Christ the King
Aaron Philips - St. Munchin's Boys
Amy Clifford - Mary Queen of Ireland
Cian O'Donnell - St. Munchins Boys
Kieran O'Connor- Christ the King
Patrick McSherry - JFK

Many Thanks to Deputy Mayor Michael Hourigan for presenting the prizes

Children's Book Festival 2010

2010-11-11T18:28:00.001Z

Children's Book Festival 2010

2010-11-11T18:17:00.001Z

Children's Book Festival 2010

2010-11-05T12:05:00.000Z

Children's Book Festival Fun

2010-11-05T12:00:00.000Z

2010-10-26T16:22:00.001+01:00

Pirates & Princesses Toddler morning

Children must be accompanied by an adult

Friday 29th October

10.30am-12.00

Games, Music,
Dancing & Stories

Under 6's only

Children's Book Festival Midterm Activities

2010-10-26T16:18:00.002+01:00

Ghosts & Ghouls Halloween Quiz

Thursday 26th October - 2.30pm-4pm
Fancy Dress Competition
Test your Knowledge & Have some Fun
7-12years, Teams of four, booking essential
Contact 061 457726

Children's Book Festival 2010

2010-10-16T16:12:00.001+01:00

Creepy Crafts!!

Halloween fun in the Arts & Crafts room

Children's Book Festival 2010

2010-10-16T16:06:00.000+01:00

Dandelion Puppet Show visit the library as part of...
Children's Book Festival

Author Visit

2010-10-07T16:04:00.001+01:00

Ré O Laighléis Visits the Library

Sixty students from St. Nessans Community College visited the library last Friday 1st October to meet award winning author Ré O laighléis. Ré, who's books form part of the junior cert syllabus has been published all around the world and writes in english and as gaeilge

Summer Reading Challenge

2010-10-01T17:07:00.000+01:00

Congratulations to all who completed the Summer Reading Challenge!!

Up to 80 children visited the library this Thursday 30th of September to receive their certs which were presented by city librarian Dolores Doyle.

Well done to all those who took part......

Children's Book Festival 2010

2010-09-22T15:16:00.000+01:00

4-6 year olds

Halloween Stories & Art

Thursday 7th Oct 3-4pm

Thursday 14th Oct 3-4pm

Thursday 21st Oct 3-4pm

7-11 year olds

Art & Crafts

Saturday 2nd Oct 3-4pm

Saturday 9th Oct 3-4pm

Saturday 16th Oct 3-4pm

8-12 year olds

Ghosts & Ghouls Halloween Quiz
Thurs 28th Oct. 2.30pm-4pm
8-12yr olds, teams of 4,
Booking Necessary

0-6 yrs
Princesses and Pirates Toddler Morning
Friday 29th Oct 10.30am-12.00
Fancy Dress, Fun Games & Prizes. Under 6's only

Children must be accompanied by an adult to all events.
to book call 061 457726

Choir

2010-08-28T10:48:00.000+01:00

Watch House Cross Community Choir

Welcoming all singers without auditions

Recommencing

Thursday 2nd September

7.30pm - 9.30pm

Meeting & First Rehearsal

(18+)

New Members Welcome

Book Sale

2010-08-26T09:53:00.001+01:00

Watch House Cross Library

Tuesday 21st September

10am-2pm

Books to suit every taste

Thrillers, Romance, Sci-fi, Westerns

All books €1.00, Buy one get one Free

Parent & Toddler Morning

2010-08-11T13:13:00.001+01:00

A great way to introduce your child to the library

Now on Fridays 10.30-12.00

After a successful beginning last year the parent and toddler group will restart on Friday 3rd September with loads more fun, stories games and new toys to play with!

Come and meet other parents with children the same age, have a coffee and some adult conversation with other Mums and Dads.

Babies & children up to the age of 5.

Grandparents & Carers welcome

Contact Sinead or Hilary for details 061 457726

Summer Reading Challenge 2010

2010-07-01T11:59:00.000+01:00

What is the Summer Reading Challenge?
The Summer Reading Challenge challenges children to read at least six books during the school summer holidays.

How do I take part?

All you have to do is get down to WHC Library to pick up your entry card and get started.

What books should I read?

You can read any books you like from Watch House Cross Library. You can read stories, fact books, joke books, picture books - anything you like! It really is up to you to make your own choices. We do have a range of challenges for you to try to make it more interesting!

Do I get anything if I finish the challenge?

You and your parents will be invited to the Award Ceremony in September where a very special guest will present you with a certificate. There will also be a draw where you can win great prizes!

For A Full List of the challenges visit our special website at this address http://sites.google.com/site/summerreac/

2010 International IMPAC Literary Award Winner Announced

2010-06-24T15:10:00.000+01:00

The Twin a debut novel by Dutch author Gerbrand Bakker has won the 2010 International IMPAC Literary Award

Queen of Teen 2010

2010-06-19T16:41:00.000+01:00

The Queen of Teen award was founded in 2008 to celebrate the fantastic teen and tween authors who bring so much enjoyment to their readers, dealing with real-life issues in a way that is honest, entertaining and fun!

Last years winner was Louise Rennison...

The search is now on for 2010's Queen of Teen!

Who will it be...Sarah Dessen, Cathy Cassidy, Meg Cabot...?

Find out more and cast your votes here

2010 Winner Orange Prize for Fiction

2010-06-15T14:10:00.013+01:00

Barbara Kingsolver wins the 2010 Orange Prize for Fiction

"We chose the Lacuna because it is a book of breathtaking scale and shattering moments of poignancy",

Daisy Goodwin, chair of judges.

Barbara Kingsolver was born in 1955 and grew up in eastern Kentucky. Her books include poetry, non-fiction and award-winning fiction. Her novel The Poisonwood Bible was shortlisted for the Orange Prize for Fiction 1999.

Click here for an Interview with 2010 Orange Prizewinner Barbara Kingsolver

Click here to read a Review of The Lacuna

Read the Next Chapter in Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga for Free Online!

2010-06-12T16:34:00.000+01:00

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephanie Meyer....

Free to read online at the following address until the 5th of July!! Enjoy!

http://www.breetanner.com/

WHC Community Choir Performance - Videos

2010-06-10T11:45:00.004+01:00

WHC Community Choir A Hit!

2010-06-10T10:15:00.001+01:00

The Watchhouse Cross Community Choir makes its first public appearence.

A Review of the Night by Hilary Barry

Under the guidance of our mentor Timothy Schinnick, and after just ten weeks of intense rehearsal, including some serious cake eating and tea drinking, we were ready to launch our first performance. With three amazing solo pieces and five lovely songs we managed, in spite of our nerves, to do Tim justice. Did we enjoy the performance? Definitely. Would we do it again? Try and stop us!!!!

The choir will be meeting again in September, why not join us?, the date will be posted on this blog and you can also inquire at the Granary Library, or Watchhouse Cross Library.

WHC Library: On the Charge!

2010-06-10T10:04:00.000+01:00

The Special Olympic flame was escorted through Moyross by some members of the Mounted Garda, and they stopped by the library on their journey!

WHC Community Choir Concert

2010-06-08T11:57:00.000+01:00

The Watch House Cross Community Choir will be performing in the Library on Wednesday the 9th of June., from 7.00pm to 8.00pm.
They will be joined on the night by: 'Capricco'-violin ensemble from Ennis, Co. Clare. Clarinetist: Peter Downey. Accompanist/Organist: Tom Rozario.

Admission is free.

Donations to 'Franciscan Lourdes Invalid Fund'

All are Welcome!

Parent & Toddler Mornings

2010-06-03T11:49:00.001+01:00

Great fun this morning at the last Parent & Toddler morning before the Summer...

We will start the Parent & Toddler morning again in September. All are welcome - mums, dads, carers, grandparents - just contact the library for details in September and watch this space!

Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Decade competition

2010-06-03T10:33:00.002+01:00

A novel for younger readers has won the Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Decade. In an online poll Derek Landy's Skulduggery Pleasant came out top of a shortlist of 50 books, beating an eclectic but heavyweight selection of writers that included John Banville, Colum McCann and Colm Tóibín. Aimed at young adults, the four books in the Skulduggery Pleasant series have sold about one million copies in Ireland and the UK since the first was published in 2007. They have also been translated into 33 languages.

Grand Finale and Prizegiving of the Northside Literacy Festival - The Twits, A Northside Story

2010-05-28T12:38:00.002+01:00

Lost Man Booker Prize

2010-05-21T11:59:00.000+01:00

J G Farrell tops poll to find best novel of 1970

Forty years after it was first published, Troubles, by J G Farrell, has been announced as the winner of the Lost Man Booker Prize - a one-off prize to honour the books published in 1970, but not considered for the prize when its rules were changed.

Troubles is the first in Farrell's Empire Trilogy, which was followed by The Siege of Krishnapur (1973) and The Singapore Grip (1978). The Siege of Krishnapurwon the Booker Prize in 1973 and was shortlisted for the Best of the Booker, a special award created to mark the 40th anniversary of the prize in 2008.

Set in Ireland in 1919, just after the First World War, Troubles tells the tragic-comic story of Major Brendan Archer who has gone to visit Angela, a woman he believes may be his fiancée. Her home, from which he is unable to detach himself, is the dilapidated Majestic, a once grand Irish hotel, and all around is the gathering storm of the Irish War of Independence.

J G Farrell was born in Liverpool in January 1935. In 1956 he went to study at Brasenose College, Oxford; while there he contracted polio. He drew heavily on his experience for his second novel, The Lung (1965). He spent a good deal of his life abroad, including periods in France, America and the Far East. His novel, Troubles (1970), the first in the Empire Trilogy, won the Faber Memorial Prize in 1971 and was made in to a film for television in 1988. The second in the trilogy, The Siege of Krishnapur won the Booker Prize in 1973. In April 1979, he went to live in County Cork, where, only four months later, he was drowned in a fishing accident.

The International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award Shortlist announced...

2010-05-20T12:26:00.000+01:00

2010 International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award

was announced by The Lord Mayor of Dublin,

Cllr. Emer Costello on April 12th...
Please Click on the Cover of Each book to Read a Review

The Winner will be announced on 17th June 2010!

The International IMPAC DUBLIN Literary Award is the world’s most prestigious literary prize. The shortlist of 8 titles was selected from a total of 156 novels nominated by 163 public library systems in 123 cities worldwide. It is presented annually with the objective of promoting excellence in world literature. It is open to novels written in any language and by authors of any nationality, provided the work has been published in English or English translation in the specified time period as outlined in the rules and conditions for the year. Nominations are submitted by library systems in major cities throughout the world.All the novels nominated can be viewed on www.impacdublinaward.ie.

Home Composting & Waste Prevention Workshop

2010-05-19T15:40:00.000+01:00

Wednesday 26th May
11am - 1pm

@ Watch House Cross Library

Home Composting &
Waste Prevention workshop

Free to attend!
No booking necessary
Tea/coffee served
Ask at the library desk
or phone 061-457726 for more information

New Music Added To Library Selection!

2010-05-19T14:03:00.001+01:00

Artist - Album

Westlife - Where We Are
Jay-Z - The Blueprint 3
Snow Patrol - Up To Now (Greatest Hits)
Rihanna - Rated R
Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things
NE-YO - Year of the Gentleman
Cheryl Cole - 3 Words
Michael Jackson - This Is It
Pitbull - Rebelution
JLS - JLS
Pixie Lott - Turn It Up
John Spillane - More Irish Songs We Learned at School

Laureate na nóg 2010-2012 Siobhan Parkinson

2010-05-19T12:20:00.003+01:00

Siobhan Parkinson has been made Ireland's first Laureate for Children's Literature

She discusses her work as a writer and her plans for her term as Laureate...

This new award was conferred on Siobhan Parkinson by President Mary McAleese on May 10th 2010. It is hoped that the title will promote the importance of the availability of high quality children’s literature and encourage a love of reading and will underline the value of literature among children and young people.

Siobhán Parkinson said, “I am thrilled and honoured to be chosen as the first Laureate na nÓg. I believe that children’s literature lays the foundations of the imaginative life of a people, and that every child deserves to have access to a reading haven - a well-stocked and well-run library in their school and in their community.”

A “great champion” and a “great advocate” of children’s literature Siobhan Parkinson has written many books for young readers, translated into 15 different languages. Siobhan’s award-winning books for children include...

The WHC Junior Book Club meet famous author Cora Harrison!

2010-05-18T15:34:00.001+01:00

Children's author Cora Harrison visited the library this week to talk to WHC Children's Bookclub, the Granary Library Children's Bookclub, and some of the libraries' avid readers.

Cora used to make up stories as a child to entertain herself but didnt starting writing until she retired from school teaching and moved to Ireland. Theres hope for us all!

She told us all about where she gets her ideas for stories from and how she sets about writing a story. Her talk was very interesting and entertaining, no one even noticed when she ran over time, the children had lots of questions and we could have stayed all day!

Cora's latest books are...

To find out more about Cora Harrison visit her website

and to find out more about our Children's Bookclub go to our website here.

Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's GNS 4th Class

2010-05-14T15:42:00.000+01:00

Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's CBS 5th Class

2010-05-14T11:32:00.001+01:00

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 6th Class

2010-05-12T14:35:00.000+01:00

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 6th Class

2010-05-12T14:23:00.002+01:00

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 5th Class

2010-05-07T14:31:00.000+01:00

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 5th Class

2010-05-07T11:50:00.001+01:00

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 4th Class

2010-05-05T14:16:00.000+01:00

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 4th Class

2010-05-04T15:27:00.000+01:00

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 3rd Class

2010-04-30T12:55:00.000+01:00

Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's Boys 6th Class

2010-04-28T14:44:00.001+01:00

Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's G.N.S 6th Class

2010-04-27T12:19:00.000+01:00

The Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's CBS 4th Class

2010-04-23T15:07:00.000+01:00

The Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's GNS 5th Class

2010-04-23T12:51:00.000+01:00

On Friday the 23th of April the 5th Class from the St. Munchins GNS were in the Watch House Library and they took part in the Create a Character Competition.

At the start of the Game the whole class created a New Twits Character together.

Then each group of girls created a character together. They did that with pictures from different body parts of people cut randomly from magazines.

The Best New Character will be decided by the Library Staff in the middle of May!

The Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's GNS 3rd Class

2010-04-21T15:47:00.003+01:00

A North Side Story - The Twits by Roald Dahl

2010-04-21T12:31:00.002+01:00

Roald Dahl's classic book the Twits has been nominated as Limerick's book for the northside, as part of a unique programme aimed at getting children into reading. Almost 100 local primary school children were at the library for the launch of the Limerick Northside Book programme.

An initiative of the Northside Local Education Committee , every child in the area will have the opportunity to read the bestseller, with a number of events bringing the book to life taking place in the library and the local schools over the next few weeks.

At the launch the children were treated to an impromptu reading from the book by local actor Myles Breen, while northside Councillor Michael Hourigan was also present to join in on the fun.

2010-03-30T16:57:00.033+01:00

Children's Author

Cora Harrison

coming to the library

Friday 30th April 3.30-5pm

Cora will chat to the kids about her popular Drumshee series,

her new children's murder mystery series,

& where she gets her ideas and inspirations from.

For 9-12 year olds

Free to attend!

Limited number of spaces available,

book at the library desk

or call 061-457726

Easter Closing

2010-03-29T13:43:00.000+01:00

The Library will be

closed

Friday 2nd &

Saturday 3rd April

for Easter

Open as usual then on

Tuesday 6th April

Happy Easter!

Parent & Toddler Morning, Every Thursday 10.30am-12

2010-03-25T11:57:00.000Z

Our first Parent & Toddler Morning this was a huge success! Lots of toddlers, their parents and grandparents, came to the library for storytime, toys, music & colouring. Parents chatted and had tea & coffee while the toddlers played and got to know each other...

The Parent & Toddler Morning is on every Thursday Morning 10.30am-12. Its a great way to introduce your child to the library, have them meet other children of the same age... And parents, grandparents and carers can meet other other, chat and relax... Its all free! Come in and see us...

St Munchin's Family Reading Project

2010-03-20T16:19:00.000Z

Senior Infants from Corpus Christi National School, their teacher Ailís Penny, and their parents enjoying Storytime and Arts&crafts with Sinead in the library yesterday morning as part of St Munchin's Family Reading Project...

World Book Day 4th March 2010

2010-03-19T14:05:00.000Z

Jay from Pignut Productions came to the library on World Book Day and enthralled parents and toddlers with his wonderful one man show 'Ahhh!!'. Jay acted out waking in the morning with the sun, making his bed, having a cup of tea, watering his plants, brushing his teeth, going to bed at night with the moon... His performance was gentle and calming, full of wonder and magic. Children and adults alike were completely engrossed and sorry to see it end... Ahhhh!!

Free car bins

2010-03-19T11:29:00.000Z

We are now supplying the red car bins that were advertised in the newspapers while stocks last

New Watch House Community Choir!

2010-03-16T12:09:00.000Z

Information Night

‘Information Meeting’, on Wednesday 24^th March from 7.30pm to 8.30pm

If you had always wanted to sing, but never plucked up enough courage to have a go, or you were told in school that you could not sing and were not allowed in the CHOIR, here is your opportunity!

Perhaps you are an experienced choral singer looking to have a bit of fun and let your hair down? –

We need experienced singers to become involved and encourage those who may be new to choral singing!

ALL ARE WELCOME!

No Auditions - just come along to a weekly rehearsal in your area!

Where… Non performance-orientated singing group on Wednesday evenings. Led by Timothy Schinnick and occasional others.

All sorts of material. Pay per session – suggested €5. Ok to drop in for whatever sessions you can make.

Tea & Coffee served.

New Parent and Toddler Group

2010-03-04T15:53:00.003Z

Parent and Toddler Group
Thursday Monrings 10.30am -12.00

A great way to introduce your child to the library.

Come and meet other parents with children the same age, have a chat, and a cup of tea or coffee.

Storytimes, rhymes, music, colouring, Toys, puzzles, lots of books!

From Thursday 25th March

All babies & children up to the age of 5 are welcome.
Grandparents and Carers Welcome!

Contact Sinead or Hilary for details 061-457726

A Day in the Life: WHC Library revs up for Library Ireland Week

2010-03-03T10:07:00.003Z

WHC Video Diary February 2010

2010-03-02T21:36:00.003Z

lease enjoy the second installment of our library video blog! Tamara and Chantelle discuss why they like coming to the library, what they get up to when they are here and some of the activities they enjoy taking part in at Watch House Cross Community Library. We even get to see them make a puzzle of the world!

If you are interested in taking part in the library blog please let us know at the desk. Filming usually take place every Tuesday after 3pm. We are interested in your favorite books, activities or library events so please take part!

Arts & Crafts: The Beach / The Sky

2010-03-02T15:17:00.001Z

Arts & Crafts: Beautiful Painted Glass Jars!

2010-03-02T15:03:00.000Z

Seachtain na Gaeilge 5th - 17th March 2010

2010-02-26T17:22:00.001Z

Scéalta as Gaeilge/

Storytime in Irish

for 2-6 year olds

Thursday 11th March @ 3pm

followed by

St Patricks Day Crafts

for 4-7 year olds

Free to attend!

First come first served

Children must be accompanied by an adult

World Book Day: AHHHH! A show for early years

2010-02-25T13:59:00.003Z

All 18 months to 4 Years Welcome!

Thursday 4th March 11am

The Irish Times - Review

.....Wordless enactment is also a feature of Ahhhh! , a show for children aged between 18 months and four years.

...The lone actor, Jay Ryan, proudly shows us his toys and plants, letting the children give his pet piggy a kiss. He blows bubbles, and cleans our shoes with a feather duster. Everyone present is charmed; indeed, two toddlers take to the stage to get a closer look at Jay’s toys. Produced by PigNut Productions, this is a thoroughly enjoyable – and aptly named – performance.

....fascinating to observe how their creators experiment with visual storytelling, a feature of theatre-making internationally. This makes theatre accessible to children who either haven’t learned to talk yet, or who are learning a second language.

PATRICK LONERGAN

The Kate O'Brien Weekend 26, 27 & 28 February 2010

2010-02-25T13:45:00.001Z

Kate O'Brien Weekend 2010

Kate O'Brien was born into a prosperous Limerick family in 1897. She began her writing career in 1926 and Without My Cloak, a novel written in 1930, was her first best seller. Other works include The Ante Room, That Lady, The Land of Spices and The Last of Summer. Although frequently returning to Limerick, the inspiration for much of her work, Kate O'Brien spent the latter part of her life in England. She died in 1974.

The Kate O'Brien Weekend kicks off the 2010 Spring Calendar of literary events on Friday, February 26th. The theme of the twenty sixth Kate O'Brien Weekend is Outsiders.

For more information on the Kate o'Brien Weekend, visit the website here

The Most Frightening Book in our Collection?

2010-02-25T10:00:00.001Z

We have been reliably informed by one of our members that this book is the most frightening and unsettling book in our collection. Beware!

River Shannon: Ardnacrusha to Limerick

2010-02-24T14:16:00.000Z

Studying Shakespeare

2010-02-20T12:20:00.001Z

Shakespeare quartos online

The Guardian reports that four early editions of Hamlet owned by the Bodleian Library will soon be digitised and will join other quarto copies of the play on a free online resource. The Shakespeare Quartos Archive will in time reproduce at least one copy of every edition of Shakespeare's plays printed in quarto before the Puritans closed the theatres in 1642.

The site currently has 32 copies of Hamlet, all of which are manipulable. You can annotate the text (keeping your notes private or making them public for others to view), tag lines and even overlay a speech from one edition on top of the same speech from another. An Oxford lecturer, Ben Burton, said he had already used the website with undergraduates to encourage them to think about differences between texts and the way early modern literature is interpreted: they were asked to edit the 'to be or not to be' soliloquy, looking at different versions and making their own decisions. 'Used in this way,' he explained, 'the archive can help enliven a form of textual analysis that many students find dry and esoteric.'

http://www.quartos.org/

Arts & Crafts: Valentine's Day - We Wove Norweigan Hearts!

2010-02-17T15:47:00.002Z

If you would like to also do this craft project, go to this website for the instructions

New Watch House Cross Library Video Diary

2010-02-10T09:37:00.003Z

Please check out our new video diary! Some of our younger patrons discuss why they come to the library, what they like to do at the library and what books they enjoy reading!

Why not take part yourself? We are looking for library patrons to give us their thoughts and views on WHC library. Please leave your details at the desk, filming usually takes place on Tuesdays after 3pm.

New World Digital Library

2010-02-04T13:23:00.001Z

The World Digital Library (WDL) makes available on the Internet, free of charge and in multilingual format, significant primary materials from countries and cultures around the world.

The principal objectives of the WDL are to:

Promote international and intercultural understanding;
Expand the volume and variety of cultural content on the Internet;
Provide resources for educators, scholars, and general audiences;
Build capacity in partner institutions to narrow the digital divide within and between countries.

Watch the promotional video on Youtube.
Read the news report here
Enjoy!

Unfringed: The Cleaner - held in WHC Library kitchen!

2010-02-03T12:49:00.003Z

Performer: Medb Lambert
Director: Donal Gallagher

Co-produced with the Kilkenny Arts Office
(Production enabled by kind support from Áras Éanna Arts Centre, Inis Oírr and Boomerang, Cork).

Premier - Kilkenny Arts Festival, 2006.

Cork Midsummer Festival, 2008 - kitchen of the Uniterian Church, Princes Street.

"...delightfully clever..." The Irish Times.

"...charming... enchanting... this sweet little piece of work is, above everything else, a play about the magic of theatre." Irish Theatre Magazine.

Stock Updates: Subscribe to Twitter!

2010-02-02T13:31:00.004Z

As we develop our collection, we will be updating Twitter with the most notable titles added. We will also be recommending books and adding links to reviews.
If you are a Twitter user then just "follow" us. Our Twitter page is here.

Children's Activities - Spring 2010

2010-01-30T12:01:00.001Z

Storytime & Crafts
for 4-7 year olds

Thursdays 3-4pm

11th Feb

18th Feb

25th Feb

4th March

11th March

8th April

Arts & Crafts
for 8-12 year olds

Saturdays 3-4pm

13th Feb

20th Feb

27th Feb

6th March

13th March

10th April

Limerick City Libraries - Map

2010-01-29T12:08:00.001Z

View Limerick City Libraries in a larger map

Dell's Volunteer Computer Classes Lift Off!

2010-01-25T12:15:00.007Z

Last week a set of beginners computer classes were held in Watch House Cross Community Library. The tutors for the class were volunteers from Dell who have so kindly offered their time to help alleviate the knowledge gap that exists between those online and with PC skills and those without. The classes are six weeks long, one night per week. All the participants in the class had registered their interest in doing computer classes with our library staff beforehand.

Limerick From the Archives - Car Racing 1935 Style!

2010-01-13T20:17:00.002Z

"ROUND THE HOUSES"

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Christmas Opening Hours

2009-12-22T09:51:00.001Z

Hear ye hear ye...!

The Library will close on Wednesday 23rd December at 4pm until Wednesday 30th December, inclusive.
It will re-open Thursday 31st December for the day.
It will be closed Friday 1st January and will reopen again on Saturday the 2nd January.
Please note the Library is closed every Sunday and Monday.

Merry Christmas from the staff at Watch House Cross Library!

Christmas Origami 2009 - A Christmas Tree

2009-12-21T10:54:00.001Z

This year we did Christmas Tree Origami with the 7-12 years olds at the last session arts & crafts on December 19th. If you don't know what origami is have a look at this link

New Bookmarks - Fiction Classification

2009-12-19T09:51:00.002Z

As of today we have new bookmarks to give to all our borrowers (while stock lasts) which shows the different genres that we have arranged in the library.

Crackers Christmas Crafts!

2009-12-17T15:48:00.001Z

The Homework Club's End of Year Exhibition & Carol Signing

2009-12-16T17:13:00.004Z

Watch House Cross Community Library

Summer Reading Challenge

Parent & Toddler Morning

Summer Activities for Kids

Book of the Month

Limerick Intercultural Week

Family History Course

Book of the Month

Children's Activities - Easter 2011

Book of the Month

1911 Census Centenary Celebration

Book of the Month

Alan Quinlan Visit

Author Visit

Local History Course

New Monthly Meeting

Watch House Cross Community Choir

Christmas Activities

Children's Book Festival 2010

Children's Book Festival 2010

Children's Book Festival 2010

Children's Book Festival 2010

Children's Book Festival Fun

Children's Book Festival Midterm Activities

Children's Book Festival 2010

Children's Book Festival 2010

Author Visit

Summer Reading Challenge

Children's Book Festival 2010

Choir

Book Sale

Parent & Toddler Morning

Summer Reading Challenge 2010

How do I take part?

What books should I read?

Do I get anything if I finish the challenge?

2010 International IMPAC Literary Award Winner Announced

Queen of Teen 2010

2010 Winner Orange Prize for Fiction

Read the Next Chapter in Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga for Free Online!

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner: An Eclipse Novella by Stephanie Meyer....

WHC Community Choir Performance - Videos

WHC Community Choir A Hit!

WHC Library: On the Charge!

WHC Community Choir Concert

Parent & Toddler Mornings

Bord Gáis Energy Irish Book of the Decade competition

Grand Finale and Prizegiving of the Northside Literacy Festival - The Twits, A Northside Story

Lost Man Booker Prize

J G Farrell tops poll to find best novel of 1970

The International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award Shortlist announced...

Home Composting & Waste Prevention Workshop

New Music Added To Library Selection!

Laureate na nóg 2010-2012 Siobhan Parkinson

The WHC Junior Book Club meet famous author Cora Harrison!

Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's GNS 4th Class

Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's CBS 5th Class

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 6th Class

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 6th Class

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 5th Class

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 5th Class

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 4th Class

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 4th Class

Create a Character Game! - Corpus Christi 3rd Class

Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's Boys 6th Class

Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's G.N.S 6th Class

The Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's CBS 4th Class

The Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's GNS 5th Class

The Create a Character Game! - St. Munchin's GNS 3rd Class

A North Side Story - The Twits by Roald Dahl

Easter Closing

Parent & Toddler Morning, Every Thursday 10.30am-12

St Munchin's Family Reading Project

World Book Day 4th March 2010

Free car bins

*New* Watch House Community Choir!

*New* Parent and Toddler Group

A Day in the Life: WHC Library revs up for Library Ireland Week

WHC Video Diary February 2010

Arts & Crafts: The Beach / The Sky

New Watch House Community Choir!

New Parent and Toddler Group

New Watch House Cross Library Video Diary

New World Digital Library