(1888PressRelease)
September 25, 2007 - Commencing on 9th October at de Valera Library in Ennis, the series will include adult lectures from three leading literary academics.
“It has always been the policy of Clare County Library to actively promote the reading habit”, stated Noel Crowley, Clare County Librarian.
He continued, “We wish to emphasise the importance of reading in our lives. In the recent past formal book promotions at the library have increased access to material. The current programme of lectures is a further step in fostering positive attitudes towards reading.”
The series commences on 9th October with a lecture by Dr. Paula Murphy entitled ‘Literature Versus Popular Fiction Or Taking The Snobbery Out Of Reading’.
Dr. Paula Murphy has been lecturing in Mary Immaculate College for the last few years and is currently working in Mater Dei Institute, Dublin. She has an MA and PhD in literature and has published widely in the area of contemporary Irish fiction, drama and film. Her edited book, New Voices in Irish Literary Criticism is available from Edwin Mellen Press and the single-author book The Shattered Mirror: Irish Literary and Film 1990-2005 will be published soon by Cambridge Scholars Press.
According to Frances O’Gorman of Clare County Library, “Dr. Murphy will examine how decisions are made about what is termed literature and what is discarded as popular or lesser writing. It will discuss some more liberal ideas about what makes certain writing 'literary', and see how these differ from the more conservative ones. The second half of the lecture will explore how these ideas apply in practice, looking at two genres of Irish writing which are not usually regarded as literature: crime fiction and chick lit, and question whether this assessment is justified.”
On 16th October Shalini Sinha, one of Ireland's most insightful commentators will present ‘Why Reading Is Good For Your Health’.
Well-known for her weekly Irish Times column, 'The Bigger Picture', Shalini has also been the life coach for RTÉ's programme, The Health Squad. She is also a columnist for Ireland's only multicultural newspaper, Metro Eireann, and presented Ireland's first intercultural television programme, Mono. Born and raised in Canada, Shalini's Indian background gives her a distinct, grounded perspective on life and relationships. She has a B.A. in Comparative Religion and Anthropology (Indian Philosophies), an M.A. in Women's Studies and lectured in University College Dublin for 5 years. Currently, Shalini is studying for a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Nutritional Medicine.
“Shalini Sinha will talk on developing personal strength, fulfillment and excellence and creating a world in which human beings can think well about themselves and others, and be fulfilled in their needs. She sees her job as creating the means for individuals to transform their own lives. In understanding that the mind and body are connected, she will examine the benefits of reading in our lives”, explained Ms. O’Gorman.
The final talk in the series takes place on 23rd October when Robert Dunbar presents ‘Growing Up With Children’s Books’.
Robert Dunbar was formerly Head of English at the Church of Ireland College of Education, Rathmines, Dublin. He has edited, or co-edited, five children’s anthologies of poetry and prose and has given numerous lectures and papers on children’s literature both at home and abroad. He is a regular reviewer of children’s and young adult books for a range of publications, including The Irish Times, Books for Keeps and The School Librarian, and on various RTE radio programmes such as The Gay Byrne Show, Rattlebag and The Eleventh Hour. He is also the author of a large number of widely published academic essays on children’s literature, several of which have been translated into French, German and Italian, and has contributed articles to various academic reference works, including the Oxford Encyclopaedia of Children’s Literature and the Oxford Companion to Fairy Tales.
Commenting on Mr. Dunbar’s lecture, Frances O’Gorman stated, “This will be a talk for adults about books for children and teenagers. Robert Dunbar will speak about the pleasures of books and the enrichment they bring. He believes that reading should be fun and should be encouraged from the earliest possible age. Come along and get some tips on giving your children and teenagers the opportunity to discover the world of books.”
Each of the three talks will take place in de Valera Library at 8pm and admission is free.
“If you are already a believer in the value of reading these talks will explore new angles and ideas for you. If you are not already a reader, then a whole new world awaits”, concluded Ms. O’Gorman.
For further details contact Clare County Library at 065 6846353/6846350 or mailbox ( @ ) clarelibrary dot ie dot
Notes for editors
- Mr. Noel Crowley, Clare County Librarian (087-234801) is available for interview and further comment.
- Further information is available from Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or media ( @ ) dunphypr dot com
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