Growing Imaginations Programme at Cork City Libraries
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 OâHara (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 âA Trip to Dublinâ, âOn The Gravy Trainâ, and âThe Hot Air Balloonâ, 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, âOur workshops were some of the most spirited that I have participated in. It was a treat to observe how storytelling itself is so loved.â
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.
For further information on the Growing Imaginations programme contact Elizabeth McNamara in Hollyhill Library at [email protected]














