Clare County Library Ageing Positively

Positive Ageing Exhibition Midleton

Clare County Library

Friday 27th of September to Saturday 5th October 2013

Positive Ageing Week (PAW)

From Friday 27th of September to Saturday 5th October 2013 Age Action is celebrating Positive Ageing in Ireland. Positive Ageing Week (PAW) is a festival which highlights the positive aspects of ageing and celebrates the contribution older people have made and continue to make to their communities. This is the 11th year Age Action has marked UN International Day of Older Persons (1st October).

Clare County Library is delighted to present a programme of events to celebrate this very worthwhile week. In association with Bluebird Care, there will be a Positive Ageing Photo Exhibition on display in the De Valera Public Library, Ennis from Monday 30^th September to Friday 11^th October. The exhibition showcases older people getting out and enjoying life. Some are still working, while others are continuing to enjoy hobbies and some are captured passing on their skills to another generation. The exhibition has been displayed in art galleries, libraries, nursing homes, schools, town halls and businesses. It is made up of 28 images with 28 separate descriptions. It can be viewed during normal library opening hours so don’t miss your chance to see these inspiring photos.

To coincide with the exhibition’s residency in the library Bluebird Care will also present a ‘Safe at Home’ security seminar there on Tuesday 8^th October at 6pm. This seminar is one in a nationwide series of security seminars that Bluebird Care has organised in response to a growing fear among older people about security at home.   It will be attended by local Community Policing members of An Garda Síochána, security consultants and community representatives. This is a free event and everyone is welcome.

Senior Citizens will have an opportunity to get in touch with their artistic side at an art workshop entitled “An Introduction to Watercolour Painting” with The Guinness Artist, David Gilhooley, in the De Valera Public Library, Ennis on Wednesday, 2^nd October at 12pm. David is an Irish artist and the author of Ireland In Watercolour and Dave's Dublin Sketchbook. He was brought up in Liverpool and has exhibited in The Royal College of Art and Dublin Arts Club. David is also known as ‘The Guinness Artist’ for his use of the famous stout in his work. David has also used Irish bog, melted Connemara snow and Venetian canal water, giving his watercolours a unique foundation. This workshop is a free event but places are limited. Bookings can be made by phoning the library at 065-6846353.

During Positive Ageing Week, and throughout the month of October, Clare County Library will take a small section of the Local Studies Library on tour when library staff will visit nursing homes and day centres throughout the county. A selection of Clare Champion newspapers from times past will be transported, along with photographs and books, so that extracts can be read and discussed, evoking memories of times past. The newspapers are part of a complete set of Clare Champions dating back to 1903 which are housed at the Local Studies Centre on Harmony Row, Ennis. They are available to the public for reference use.

Remember too that Senior Citizens can avail of free library membership in all of Clare County Library’s branches. So, during Positive Ageing Week, or at any time of the year, why not join your local branch? You’ll discover a whole world of books, CDs, DVDs and more. You may even join one of our many clubs including book clubs, scrabble clubs and a poetry group. A whole new experience awaits you! For more information on these events and much more visit Clare County Library’s website at www.clarelibrary.ie or phone 065-6821616.