Samhlaiocht Story Telling Sessions in Kerry Library

Laura Gutierrez Martin and Trish Thompson from Samhlaiocht

Kerry is probably best known as home to the most successful footballers in the GAA's illustrious history but it is nearly as well known as a home for writers, poets and storytellers. Kerry can boast a wonderfully strong literary tradition, in both English and As Gaeilge, having produced such fine writers as John B. Keane, Brendan Kennelly and Maurice Walsh.

To honour that strong tradition Samhlaiocht, the premier Arts organisation in Kerry, and Kerry Library are holding a number of Storytelling Seminars in Libraries in Kerry.

"Kerry has such a wealth of writers and a fantastically strong history of storytelling. We're also blessed with a strong infrastructure of libraries, with 9 branches throughout the county, and these act as focal point for cultural activities within the community," said Jason O' Mahony, Director of Samhlaiocht. "We've worked with Kerry Library in the past and were only too happy to get on board when they suggested holding Storytelling sessions in the libraries."

Two story telling sessions will take place in Listowel Library on Friday March 6th and in Castlesisland Library on Saturday March 7th, both sessions will take place at 11 am and are aimed at the four-year-old to six-year-old age group.

"The sessions are aimed at smaller children to encourage a love of reading and of storytelling from a very young age," added Jason. "The Libraries are such a wonderful resource and these sessions will bring younger children through the doors and hopefully go some way towards introducing them to the magic of reading. And we've lined up a stellar story teller in Laura Gutierrez Martin to make the introduction as rewarding as possible. I bet the attendees have an absolutely amazing time!"

Laura, who originally hails from Catalonia, but has been living in Ireland for three years has been facilitating workshops and seminars in storytelling for more than a decade. She has worked with Samhlaiocht in the past and will facilitate workshops as part of the upcoming Samhlaiocht Easter Arts Festival, to take place over the Easter weekend, April 11th to April 13th.

"I love working with younger children," says Laura. "Their imagination knows no limit and there is a freedom from the restraints that adults sometimes experience. I'm looking forward to the sessions and I'm sure the children will have a brilliant time, discover the wonders of the library and, who knows, perhaps some of them will grow up to be writers and storytellers in the years to come!"

As the Listowel Library session is on a Friday, the Library will take bookings directly for primary school children, interested teachers are asked to contact the Library on (068) 23044.

Castleisland Library will also take bookings directly on (066) 716 3403. As it takes place on a Saturday all interested parents and children are encouraged to get involved or to drop by on the day.

For more information on Kerry County Libraries please log onto www.kerrycolib.ie or call 066 712 1200