Libraries about so much more than books, says local author
Inspiration from the books that pack the shelves at Mullingar Library is part of the success her thriller 'Into The Woods' is enjoying, says Lorraine Murphy.
One of a growing number of published authors in the town, Lorraine said: "When I was writing my book, I went along the shelves of thrillers and Irish writers here at the library and picked them all out.
"I looked at the first page in each book and I was able to see how they constructed it, what worked, what I liked and what I didn't like. I spent a good few days here analysing the books."
But Lorraine hadn't sat down with the Examiner to discuss her book - she was more interested in the library service and what it provides for the community.
She was joined by Deirdre Broderick, executive librarian, and Eimear Feeney, librarian, for the discussion about what goes on at Mullingar Library and what's coming up for the autumn.
"There is so much local talent and the interest in writing, and the process of writing, here," said Deirdre, making the point that Mullingar Library is about much more than borrowing books, though they remain at its core.
"The team at Mullingar Library are delighted to celebrate the success of local authors, to support them and to support creativity," she said.
"It is wonderful for the library and for local people to see local people stocked on the shelves," she added in reference to Lorraine's book, all library copies of which are already out on loan.
They were on request since before they arrived, and if you want to see what the fuss is about, you'll have to add your name to the queue!
"People were waiting for them," said Eimear. "Word of mouth is important in generating the demand, then everyone wants it."
What the library can provide as well as physical and digital copies of books and magazines is access to the authors, and Lorraine is doing a reading and Q&A at Mullingar Library on Tuesday October 25 at 6.30pm.
Further to that is a creative writing class with another Mullingar author, Anne Griffin, starting this weekend, Saturday October 1 (11am-1pm), and running for six weeks.
"It's a great chance if someone's been working on something, as she will give constructive criticism and help to develop it further, because she, like Lorraine, has experience," said Eimear.
"What an opportunity to meet a published author and get an insight into the writing process and publishing," Deirdre added.
Lorraine also benefited from exposure to published authors when she was working on 'Into The Woods': "I work here a few days a week; I book a table a day in advance, and I get to work with no distractions, and for free, where would you get it?!"
Another event the library team are looking forward to is the autumn poetry club with Paul Timoney, which is supported by the Local Live Performance Scheme.
"Paul did one during the summer and got a great reaction," said Deirdre and Eimear. "This time he has a theme each week and people can bring in their favourite poems or poems they've written themselves. Paul will also invite guest poets in to do readings and to meet people."
Deirdre added: "What's brilliant about the library is that anybody can come in. It's free access to the arts, to literacy supports, and I think that's the thing, and then it's being able to meet Lorraine, instead of it being a ticketed event where you have to pay - it's free, it's for everyone."
As part of an inclusivity agenda the libraries have, an Irish Sign Language (ISL) project is starting in Mullingar on October 15.
"We're reaching out to the marginalised groups and communities, so we've targetted the deaf community," said Deirdre.
"As it stands, we have some deaf users, but we don't hold events for children who are deaf, for example - so we have engaged with an ISL facilitator and there's going to be signed story time for children here, but the session will begin with a basic introduction to ISL and awareness of it.
"We want to make it fun, and informative for everybody. You don't have to have a deaf child to come to it, but we'd love if deaf children would come to it with their siblings and then they can feel that 'this is for me, I'm not slotting in to somebody else's experience'."
Online services
The library has extensive online services and is active on social media, so it's easy for people to find out about new books, events and activities.
Click here for Westmeath Libraries on Facebook.