It will come as no surprise to visitors to either this website (and the Library Blog in particular) or to the magnificent real world James Joyce Library in the college that the Clongowes reading community was recognised at the Wellread National Award Event on Wednesday, October 12th. Clongowes was among just 33 schools in the country to be so honoured in a ceremony at the City West Hotel.
Last May we submitted a portfolio documenting the whole school reading community that Clongowes has endeavoured to develop. Highlighted were various reading activities, initiatives, promotions and events run throughout the year. Included also were our goals for the year, such as the establishment of the 2nd Year Book Club, partnership with parents on an author event, cross-curricular activities and the use of Web 2.0 technology to promote the library and reading.
The award was bestowed by the PDST (Professional Development Service for Teachers) and presented by Children’s Laureate, the illustrator P.J. Lynch in recognition and celebration of schools that value reading. Pictured here are Aidan McNeill (Rudiments), Ethan O’Loan (Grammar), Luke Johnston (Rudiments), James Lambe (Rhetoric) and Julian Jiminez (Grammar), who took time out from their studies to receive the accolade on behalf of Clongowes.
Thanks to everyone who supported this endeavour, in particular students who are regular library users, students who are members of the 1st Year, 2nd Year and 3rd Year book clubs, students who participated in reading challenges, students who gave their voices to the portfolio, Transition Year students who produced Book Trailers, art students who created the wonderful cut-out book characters, students who dressed up on Book Character Day, House Leaders and students who have made the Literary Quiz such a successful event, staff who borrow books from the library, staff who dressed up for Book Character Day, staff who attend the Staff Book Club, teachers who facilitate D.E.A.R in their classes, teachers who visit the library with their students, parents who supported the Shackleton talk. Thanks, in large part also goes to school management for their constant support and financial assistance.
The award is affirmation that a strong reading culture has been established in Clongowes. Its pursuit has been worthwhile, developing greater partnerships whilst also exposing us also to new ideas from other schools and we have become part of a wider reading community that exists beyond Clongowes.
We will retain the Wellread School title for three years from 2016 to 2019.
Ms Jane O’Loughlin, College Librarian