Cork City Libraries launch Capital of Culture programme for 2005

Cork City Libraries formally launched details of its European Capital of Culture programme for Cork 2005. Deputy Lord Mayor, Councillor Mary Shields, formally launched the extensive programme at a reception in Cork’s Central Library, Grand Parade on 16 December 2004.

Cork City Libraries, the most popular cultural institution in the City, is playing a central role in the city’s year as European Capital of Culture. The range of activities planned reflects the range of activities to be found in a modern public library. 

Highlights of the year’s programme include: 

Library Architecture

What kind of building can a city library be in the 21st century? What kind of building should a library be? The Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland (RIAI) and Cork City Libraries will invite young European architects and architectural students to design an ideal central library for a city of approximately Cork’s size. 

Books and reading

One of the main projects being organised by Cork City Libraries will be a celebration of books and reading on World Book Day, 23 April 2005, with the Grand Parade in front of the Central Library becoming an outdoor library and literature centre for the day. Cork City Libraries will also celebrate childhood during the summer, with events for children and events celebrating childhood, as well as adults’ remembrances of childhood.

Music and sport

Cork City Libraries in partnership with The Irish Examiner will organise a seminar and exhibition in September on the history and current state of sports writing in Europe.

The Music Library will organize three special exhibitions: on the balladeers and songwriters of Cork; on Rory Gallagher, songwriter; and on the classical composers of 19th and 20th century Cork.  

Other highlights

Libraries have always been a ‘safe haven for the word’ to paraphrase the city’s own motto, and many libraries have suffered for this. ‘The Word Endures’, a seminar with an accompanying exhibition, will bring together speakers from Europe and the Middle East to discuss this still relevant topic.  

Further information:

Liam Ronayne, Cork City Libraries: 021 4924900 

At the official launch of the Cork City Libraries programme for Cork2005 / European Capital of Culture: Assistant Director Cork 2005 Tom McCarthy, Deputy Lord Mayor Cllr. Mary Shields and Cork City Librarian, Liam Ronayne.

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