Education
Salesian Primary School launch new library for World Book Day 2024
World Book Day 2024 – parents pictured at the launch of the Salesian Primary School library
World Book Day 2024 celebrations took place on March 7th
child-friendly library
Salesian Primary School at Fernbank, NCRd., Limerick recently celebrated the launch of their re-rejuvenated student library funded by the Parent Association and the Department of Education and Skills Library Scheme. The occasion was one highlight of their World Book Day 2024 celebrations which took March 7th.
Due to recent school upgrading building works, the library has now been boxed up and transferred to the East Education Wing of the school which is also home to a state of Art Children’s Science Room, a colourful All-Purpose Room, and P.E. equipment storage centre.
In keeping with the Salesian Ethos, this bespoke library has been sustainably stocked by re-using the best of its previous stock, along with books sourced responsibly from local booksellers such as Quay Bookstore and leading Limerick book suppliers O’ Mahony’s, donations from the city libraries, and family donations. All donations have resulted in a unique and exciting eclectic mix of attractive and colourful books to inspire engagement with books for all.
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The retrofitted shelves now display a huge range of both fiction sorted alphabetically, and non-fiction books. Designated shelves separate topics such as popular authors, dual language books, sports, well-being, history, STEM, and The Arts to name but a few, “The audio area is our most novel idea with ‘story sacks’ and puppets all within a modern, welcoming and child-friendly library,” according to lead teacher and co-ordinator Thelma Dowling.
The library was opened with Limerick author Grainne O Brien who visited the school on March 1st, for Q&A sessions to kick off a 1-month March Reading Challenge. World Book Day activities included Dress-up, interactive ‘Readers Theatre’ assemblies for all classes, and a whole month of engaging reading challenges on bookmarks. With an emphasis on Bookflix, books that are ‘Now Trending’, ‘Recommended Picks’, and ‘Most Read’ are displayed by the school’s Aladdin scanning system for check-outs and returns.
by re-using the best of its previous stock
Speaking at the launch was Principal Claire Rea, “Reading is one route to lifelong learning. The printed word is powerful and can transport children to places of endless possibilities whether it causes belly laughs, journeying to fantastical lands, or triggers an interest in science and engineering. As principal teacher, I truly believe that access to the written word via an initiative such as our ‘Picture Books for Pleasure’ funded by the Salesian Sister Monetary Fund or choosing books from our library enhances children’s natural curiosity and cognitive development. Today’s library launch as the school marks World Book Day, hopefully, is one occasion that ignites the children’s lifelong passion for learning through reading.”
At the launch of the library Ms Rea concluded, “This would not have been possible without the time and relentless commitment of our generous parent helpers and Parent’s Association of our school who worked weekly with our coordinating teacher Thelma Dowling to ensure that every worthy book was correctly filed and placed.”
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