A local treasure trove
One of my best memories of childhood is of joining the local library. Each Saturday, I trotted off with two books under my arm. I generally had borrowed them the previous Saturday and read them within the week. I recall later joining what was then called the Adult Library and my allowance being increased to three books a fortnight.
Leaving school I gradually lost contact with the public libraries. Just a year ago, I rejoined the library where I began as a child. The building is identical. Several of the staff members are also there. Many of the books are also on the shelves, although a number of usurpers have crept in.
In the intervening years the library services have simply mushroomed. Whereas before three books was the limit, now you can borrow 12, for three weeks. The library offers a lot more and have embraced modern media. Today public libraries provide a wide selection of CDs and DVDs. The CDs have a wide range of music, from Country and Western to Jazz, from Pop to Classical. There are also recordings of books on cassette or CD, read by actors. These are one of the most welcome additions. Initially developed for people with poor sight, these recordings are great on long solo car journeys, and can even be downloaded onto a MP3 player and listened to when out for a walk. Or they can be stored on computer for listening sometime in the future. For people with reading difficulties, the ''recorded books'' are a wonderful invention. But if sight is a problem and you still want to have a book in your hand, don't forget the large print section. Most libraries have a broad selection of books especially printed with large font. And if you fancy learning a new language, there are courses on CD as well as foreign language films in the DVD section.
The library also stocks a wide selection of daily newspapers and periodicals, ranging from National Geographic to Newsweek, Home and Garden to health magazines. Put in a request, and the librarian will search for any title you want in a local branch or nearby town.
The Internet is also available, and although free, often has to be booked. Usage is usually on an hourly basis. If you have a laptop you can avail of free Wi Fi. Indeed, that is possibly the best value as all the library services are free. Only when you keep items over three weeks is a modest charge made. But they can always be renewed either by phone or by Internet. The librarians across the country are a fund of information and will be happy to help you. You can even order titles you wish to read. If you cannot get to the library, don't be shy about asking a neighbour to go for you. My experience is that many kind neighbours enjoy offering a helping hand like this.
Flamenco concerts
Pe·a Flamenca El Indalo is a Dublin-based not-for-profit organisation, founded in 2009 by aficionados and artists, to promote and enrich the culture of flamenco in Ireland through education and entertainment. Here are the dates of upcoming concerts around Ireland.
The Radisson Blu Hotel and Spa, Lough Atalia Road, Galway on Wed, Sept 1,
The Firkin Crane, Shandon, Cork on Thurs, Sept 2,
The Helix (The Space), DCU, Collins Avenue, Glasnevin, Dublin on Fri 3 and Sat 4 of September.
All concerts are at 8.30 pm and tickets are €25.
