Kilkenny Library Service welcomes new addition to the team

Kilkenny County Council Library Service have announced the appointment of Helena Byrne as their Storyteller in Residence.

Ms Byrne will work with the local library service to deliver a programme of activities across a network of branch libraries in the county and will hold the position from September to December this year.

The activities are designed to promote literacy and foster the habit of enjoyment of reading and library usage amongst children and young people.

The storyteller and singer, originally from Ballyhale in Co Kilkenny, is well-known for her talents locally and holds a strong passion for Irish folklore, performing as a seanachaí and folk singer for audiences of all ages across Ireland, the USA and further afield.

The Kilkenny native has worked with children in a creative capacity for over 12 years, regularly visiting primary schools and libraries across the country to run storytelling and song workshops for children.

Speaking about the announcement, Ms Byrne said: "I believe that reading books and storytelling is a crucial part of a child’s development for an abundance of reasons; namely improving their language and communication skills, gaining knowledge of the world around them and awakening their imaginations. Every child is a storyteller in the making."

Executive Librarian Aideen McDonald commented: "We are delighted to work with Helena and are looking forward to forging new links within our communities and building on our existing family literacy initiatives."

The Kilkenny woman's tenure kicks off with a series of 'Mini Members' workshops on Saturday, September 9 in Ferrybank Library at 12pm, Saturday, September 16 at 10am in Castlecomer Library and 12pm in Graignamanagh Library. 

These workshops are aimed at Parents and Pre-schoolers and bookings are now open to the public.