Posted on: 25 March 2010
An exhibition of handmade books inspired by works from the Trinity College Library and created by students from three Dublin primary schools was opened in the Long Room of the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin yesterday (24th March) by TCD Librarian, Robin Adams. The collection marks the completion of a three-month project called Bookmarks, a story writing, illustration and bookbinding programme that featured workshops with renowned authors, artists and academics. The Bookmarks programme, which is organised by the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) in collaboration with The Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children, involves students from TAP linked primary schools designated as disadvantaged and aims to inspire children to become the next generation of authors, illustrators and publishers.
During the Bookmarks programme author, Conor Kostick made a number of visits to each of the participating schools to speak about his books and life as an author of children’s literature. Ark artists Liz Smith and Laura de Búrca also held regular workshops with the children to help them with their illustration and bookmaking skills, including collage, cut-out, silhouette and pop-up techniques to enhance their storylines. Other workshops, delivered by TCD’s Amanda Piesse, Senior Lecturer in the School of English, and Charles Benson, Keeper of Early Printed Books at TCD, helped children develop their adventure storylines by introducing them to the Pollard Collection, a collection of over 10,000 historic children’s books spanning three centuries. The children were also given the opportunity to explore the Trinity campus, visit the Old Library and view the Book of Kells as part of the Bookmarks programme.
Brandon Greene (10) of Drimnagh Castle Boys SNS at the launch of Bookmarks exhibition in the Long Room.
This year the Bookmarks programme involved 70, 5th and 6th class children from the primary schools Scoil Mhuire SNS, Drimnagh Castle Boys SNS and Our Lady of Good Counsel Girls SNS. The schools are linked to the College through the Trinity Access Programmes which offers support to students from underrepresented backgrounds to progress to higher education. The Bookmarks programme is one of a number of outreach activities for primary schools which aim to build a positive relationship between school students and Trinity College Dublin with the hope of raising their aspirations regarding third-level study.
Commenting on the success of Bookmarks, Kathleen O’Toole of Trinity Access Programmes said: “TAP is very proud of the Bookmarks programme and the unique opportunity which it provides for children to acquire new skills and to be exposed to the world of children’s literature in a very hands-on manner. The quality of the children’s books are excellent, and with continued involvement in TAP’s outreach programmes, which attract over 4,000 students annually, these same students and their peers will successfully make the transition to both second and third level. We’d also like to acknowledge the generous contribution of Trinity UK alumni, through the UK Trust in support of the development of the Pollard Children’s Literature Collection in Trinity, including the Bookmarks programme.”
Eina McHugh, Director of the Ark, A Cultural Centre for Children said: “The Ark is committed to encouraging and nurturing creative innovation as an important part of the education process for children, teachers, parents and schools. Our work in visual arts will continue after Bookmarks in the Ark when a series of workshops with Ark artist Liz Smith exploring the art of pop-up has been organised for both the public and schools.”
The children were each presented with a certificate of achievement by Conor Kostick, author and research associate at TCD’s Department of History, at an awards ceremony to mark the opening of the exhibition. Their books will be displayed in the Long Room of Trinity College in recognition of their achievement and can be viewed by the public. The Bookmarks exhibition will run from 24th to 31st March in the Long Room, Old Library, Trinity College Dublin.
