Kerry Library
  • Home
  • Find Your Local Library
    • Join the Library
    • Renew your Library Membership
    • Branch Libraries
    • Mobile Library Service
  • Services
    • Request a book / Search the Catalogue
    • Wifi &Printing at your Library
    • Home Energy Saving Kit
    • Children's Services >
      • First 5: Little Library Bags
    • Services for Schools >
      • Classroom Novel Collection >
        • Classroom Novels 6yrs+
        • Classroom Novels 8yrs+
        • Classroom Novels 10yrs+
        • Classroom Novels 13yrs+
        • Classroom Novels- Leabhar As Gaeilge
      • Online Services for Schools
    • Toys & Sensory Resources Collection >
      • The Cubbie At Listowel Library
    • Healthy Ireland at Your Library
    • Work Matters
    • Age Friendly Libraries
  • Local History & Archives
    • Decade of Centenaries
    • Online Digital Archive
    • Useful Genealogical/ Historical Websites
  • Online Resources
    • Users Guides & FAQ
    • LOTE4Kids
    • Vision Net
    • eBooks &eAudiobooks
    • eMagazines
    • eNewspapers
    • eLanguageLearning
    • eLearning
    • Irish Newspaper Archive (Library Access)
    • Find My Past (Library Access Only)
    • Ask About Ireland
  • Gaeilge
  • Calendar of Events
  • Links
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Bookclub Collection

Family Time At Your Library 2021

Picture
Picture
This family-focused Library initiative is part of the National Right to Read Programme. It aims to increase awareness of the benefits of reading together as a family and promote reading as a fun, recreational activity for children. This December libraries want to encourage the involvement of the whole family in children's reading though a range of online activities. 

How to get involved........

Throughout the month of December we have put together a programme of online events for the family to encourage reading and creating together. Full details of the programme is below along with details on how to book your place in these events.

We'd also love to have you visit our libraries where you can browse our selection of books and borrow some to take home with you and read as a family. Our staff will be delighted to help you choose the best books to suit your family. For information about you local library's opening hours click here.

Events: 

Beginners Pilates for Families with Caolán Scott, Listowel Physiotherapy Clinic

Join Caolán Scott of the Listowel Physiotherapy Centre for Beginners Pilates for Families this December. Caolán has prepared  two video tutorials to help get all the family started with Pilates. 

There are lots of benefits to practicing pilates at all ages including increased flexibility,balance and muscle strength. Pilates as a mind body exercise also helps with body confidence, managing stress and mindfulness and can increase concentration. 

These videos will be available on the Kerry Library YouTube page throughout the month of December for you and your family to follow along with at your own pace at home. 

Beginners Yoga for Families with Cathy Healy

For Family Time at Your Library this year we are delighted to be joined by Yoga instructor Cathy Healy, who has prepared a number of videos to introduce the whole family to Yoga. 

As well as being a fun family activity that enhances strength and flexibility, practicing yoga as a family can also help open up communication, build confidence and manage emotions. 
​
These videos will be available  throughout the month of December for you and your family to follow along with at your own pace at home. 

Introduction to Yoga:  WATCH HERE
Yoga in Nature Family Class: WATCH HERE

How The Grinch Stole Christmas with Katie O'Donoghue

Join author Katie O'Donoghue for this classic Christmas tale about a grumpy Grinch and his devious plan to steal Christmas. 

​The Grinch hates Christmas and hates to hear the noise, merriment and singing of the Who’s of the town of Whoville. He is determined to stop Christmas and disguises himself as Santa and his dog Max as a reindeer, and steals all the Who’s Christmas presents and food. But his plan doesn’t work out as he imagined. 

Materials needed for this storytime & creative craft session: Paper & Colouring Pencils.
Monday 13th December @7.00pm: BOOK NOW
Tuesday 14th December @7.00pm: BOOK NOW
These events will take place on Zoom. All children must be accompanied by an adult when attending these online events. ​​

Christmas Bedtime Stories with author Roisín Meaney

Brush the teeth, grab the teddy and cuddle up for some stories that will send you to dreamland with a smile on your face. Hear about the lonely donkey who got the best surprise for Christmas, and the little boy with the famous Dad whose Christmas wish came through. Book your place to join any of these online story sessions below:
Tuesday 7th December @7.00pm: BOOK NOW
Wednesday 8th December @7.00pm: BOOK NOW
Thursday 9th December @7.00pm: BOOK NOW
Friday 10th December @7.00pm: BOOK NOW
Picture
Picture
These events will take place on Zoom. All children must be accompanied by an adult when attending these online events. 

The Little Squirrel Who Worried with author Katie O'Donoghue

Little Squirrel hasn't left his nest since last autumn. He needs to gather nuts for the long winter to come but he's too worried to leave his cosy nest.

Join author Katie O'Donoghue for storytime and a creative craft to hear all about Little Squirrel and how he overcomes his worries. 

Materials needed: Paper, pencils, crayons and an envelope. Book your place below to join in these storytime and craft sessions with Katie. 

​
Friday 3rd December @7.00pm: BOOK NOW
Monday 6th December @7.00pm: BOOK NOW
Picture
These events will take place on Zoom. All children must be accompanied by an adult when attending these online events. ​

Wild Child: Creative Drawing and Nature Workshop with Lisa Fingleton.

Artist and Author Lisa Fingleton will host a magical creative hour to feed the imagination. She will explore ways of creatively engaging with nature using Dara McNulty’s new book ‘Wild Child’ as a starting point as well as other resources available through your library.

Ideal age: 8-15 (but younger children are welcome  with parents)

If you would like to read the book in advance that would be a bonus but it is not essential (you can order a copy of the book from your local library here). Do bring along some materials from nature you would like to draw (dead branches, seeds, leaves etc) and have some paper and drawing materials ready.  

This is a family event and will take place on Zoom, adult supervision is required. 
Saturday 11th December@11.00am:Booking opens 1st Dec
Picture

What's in my local library to support story time at home?

Picture
  • Wide range of picture books
  • Rhyming books
  • Mr Men & Little Miss books
  • Board books for young children
  • Tactile books
  • Audio/Singalong books
  • Nursery rhymes
  • Favourites - Peppa, Dora, Thomas the Tank, Little Miss, Mr Men & Maisy
  • Helpful staff who are happy to advise
  • Irish language picture books​​

Benefits of storytelling for children

Picture
  • Improves memory
  • Encourages creativity
  • Improves listening skills
  • Helps with concentration
  • Makes schoolwork easier
  • Increases vocabulary
  • Broadens horizons
  • Develops communication skills
  • A lovely way to spend family time together
  • Offers children the opportunity to express their feelings
  • Helps foster a love of reading

​Storytime tips for parents


  • Above all else, reading should be fun , not "homeworky"
  • Try to make time every day to share a book with your child (bedtime is an ideal time)
  • Find a quiet place to share your story
  • Start sharing books even before your child knows how to read - you can talk about the pictures
  • Books with rhyme and repetition encourage your child to join in
  • Let other grown-ups join in too - grandparents, older siblings
  • New stories encourage new vocabulary
  • And of course.....bring your child to your local library
Picture
Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.