Pictured at the Unveiling of the new Storytelling Chair in Twin Towns Library on Friday morning is Alan Hanafin, Designer, Cllr Patrick McGowan, Donna Cavanagh, Donegal Library Service, Joe Peoples, Donegal County Council, Frances Crampsie, Donegal Library Service, Brian O'Donnell, St Columbas College, Cllr Martin Harley, Eva Browne, Donegal Library Service with Eileen Harkin and Hilda Bradley enjoying the new storytelling chair.
It was a special morning in Twin Towns Library this morning as the unveiling of the new storytelling chair inspired by Stranorlar born poet and novelist Frances Browne’s book 'Granny's Wonderful Chair', got underway.
Cllr Martin Harley, Cathaoirleach of Stranorlar MD spoke at the event and said that he whole heartedly believed that children should have an opportunity to experience books, to understand and enjoy stories, rhymes and songs and to listen and respond to them with curiosity and enjoyment and now children have the chance of huddling up with their parent or grandparent on this special chair in the Twin Towns library to enjoy a story.
This chair was designed and created by Alan Hanafin who was in attendance at the unveiling of the chair and the idea of the chair was inspired by Frances Browne’s best known work Granny's Wonderful Chair which was published in 1856 and remains in print to this day. It has been translated into several languages and is a richly imaginative collection of fairy stories. And it was fitting that the first story told on the chair was by local artist and author Celine McGlynn who enthralled the audience with a reading from this book.
It was acknowledged by all at the event that the library in the Twin Towns plays an important role in the community and it’s new location at The Base Centre is ideal. The library is a bright, colourful and welcoming space and since it opened in The Base in June 2016 there have been over 12,000 visits to the library. The library has a membership of 4,845 patrons and this number is growing every week and with its up to date collection of approximately 10,000 items the library is an important amenity in the area.
Cllr Patrick McGowan representing The Base Centre also spoke at the event and said that he was delighted to see the Twin Towns library located at The Base Centre. He explained that The Base Centre addresses the social, cultural and economic needs of the local area and having the library located here as an important front line service of the Council clearly shows how The Base is continuing to meet the needs of the entire community.
Brian O’Donnell from St. Columba’s College also spoke at the event and talked about the outstanding service that he has received from the Donegal County Library Service. He read out a poem he wrote for the library which clearly showed the value he puts on this service.
A special tribute was also paid to Eileen Harkin, retired Branch Librarian for her commitment and service as librarian in the Twin Towns over many years as well as to Eva Browne Senior Librarian Assistant for all her work over the last number of months in creating such a colourful, open and inviting space in the Twin Towns Library.
The event concluded with a few melodies from talented young harpist Samantha Rose Bradley while well known storyteller Seamas McCanny entertained the visiting children and their parents with some very exciting stories.
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