30/08/23 12:11
Kilkenny County Council Library Service are delighted to announce that Helena Byrne has been appointed as the Storyteller in Residence. Helena will work with our library service to deliver a programme of activities across a network of branch libraries in the county. The activities are designed to promote literacy and foster the habit of enjoyment of reading and library usage amongst children and young people.
Helena Byrne is a storyteller and singer, originally from Ballyhale, Co.Kilkenny. Combining her passion for music and singing with her love of Irish folklore, Helena performs as a seanchaí and folk singer for audiences of all ages across Ireland, the USA and further afield.
Helena has worked with children in a creative capacity for over twelve years, regularly visiting primary schools and libraries across the country to run storytelling and song workshops for children. These workshops combine interactive storytelling with speech and drama, fun vocal warm-ups, self-confidence exercises and musical games.
"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!” comments Helena.
The residency which runs from September to December 2023, will provide opportunities for parents and children to explore and enjoy reading and other family literacy activities together.
Following the appointment, Executive Librarian Aideen McDonald said “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”
Helena’s residency kicks off with a series of Mini Members workshops on Saturday September 9th in Ferrybank Library @12 pm, Saturday September 16th @ 10am in Castlecomer Library & 12pm in Graiguenamanagh Library.
These workshops are aimed at Parents and Pre-schoolers and bookings are now open to the public. For further information or any queries please contact executive librarian Aideen.McDonald@kilkennylibrary.ie
This project is supported by the Creative Ireland programme.