#growingimaginations

by Dr. Sorcha Fogarty

In January 2012, Senior Executive Librarian Breda Hassett piloted the Growing Imaginations project in conjunction with COPE Foundation. The overall aim of the project is to encourage adults we support to avail of the Library and to encourage their creativity through group meetings which facilitate story-writing and self-expression in a safe and welcoming environment. Fundamentally, the project embodies the ethos of the National Disability Inclusion Strategy which is a coordinated and planned approach across Government Departments to promote greater inclusion of people with disabilities in Irish society. The Growing Imaginations project was shortlisted for the Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Award 2016, The Staff Recognition Awards Cork City Council, and it also won the Library Association Public Libraries Prize in 2016.

  The project began in Bishopstown Library and is now being rolled out to all Cork City Libraries, with Cashel Library in Tipperary also replicating the project, with the support of the Tipperary Creative Ireland Programme. Sensory Books in a Bag is a core part of the programme, and involves the creation of sensory tactile books that can be used by adults we support to interpret stories and concepts. The sensory components of the books are all stored in specifically designed bags, stories inspired by the adults themselves with help from their care workers and Cork writer Kevin Doyle. The components for the books are made by groups of adults we support with the help of artists Sara O’Hara (with Anne Kiely presently taking up the position from 2020) and Carmel Creaner from Cork Textiles Network.

  The bags themselves are beautifully designed, and each item contained therein corresponds directly to a specific page of the laminated, colourfully illustrated books. With a variety of titles, such as “A Trip to Dublin”, “On The Gravy Train”, and “The Hot Air Balloon”, the stories showcase the talent and imagination of the groups, and many of the stories are largely based on the personal experiences of the group members. Of the Writing Workshops, Kevin Doyle states, “Our workshops were some of the most spirited that I have participated in. It was a treat to observe how storytelling itself is so loved.”

Indeed, the work created by the groups is remarkable, and a testament to the creativity and imagination of each and every member. Essentially, the Growing Imaginations programme promotes a sense of belonging and functions as a conduit for the talent which lies, often unearthed, in many of those adults we support who live very challenging lives. The books introduce the concept of sensory reading to all participants.

The sensory bags are available to borrow from Bishopstown Library, the City Library, Grand Parade, and Hollyhill Library.

by Dr. Sorcha Fogarty

Cork City Libraries have produced three sensory stories for adults we support, which are available to view at: https://www.corkcitylibraries.ie/en/what-s-on/inclusion-and-wellbeing/growing-imaginations/. 

The three videos – ‘Floris and her Dog’, ‘A Very Hot Day’ and ‘The Hot Air Balloon’ are stories taken from the Growing Imaginations ‘Book in a Bag’ programme, which was created in partnership with the Cope Foundation, the Cork Textiles Network and author Kevin Doyle. The videos are designed to bring the stories to life, and to offer support to those with an intellectual disability who are restricted by the pandemic. 

The Growing Imaginations ‘Book in a Bag’ programme has always aimed to encourage adults we support to avail of the library and to encourage their creativity through group meetings which facilitate story-writing and self-expression in a safe and welcoming environment. However, under the current circumstances, such meetings are on hold for the moment. Cork City Libraries recognise the difficulties presented by the current situation. Through the Dormant Accounts Fund, and with the generous help of Carmel and Emma Creaner, we created a way to bring the Growing Imaginations sensory stories to life in an online format. These videos may be used in a care setting, or at home, to encourage and maintain the creativity of those adults we support, and who are missing the stimulation of a normal daily routine.

The three videos provide detailed instructions on how to recreate the sensory stories without having the physical sensory bags to hand. Each video is prefaced by an introduction by Carmel, and Emma assumes the role of vibrant storyteller, suggesting various household items which can be used in place of the items in the bags. Each video has a clear “You Will Need” list of items, which can be paused prior to the beginning of the story. For example, in “The Hot Air Balloon”, you can take the time to source the following basic items: a cushion or a pillow, two wooden spoons, flowers, a box, a balloon and a plastic cup, and a spray bottle and a cloth. Emma then goes through the story, outlining which item to use at every stage. The videos are engaging and enjoyable, thanks to Emma’s dramatic flair, and there is even a cameo from a fluffy canine companion in the story “Floris and her Dog”!