Donegal Libraries Earns All-Ireland Library of the Year Award

Donegal Libraries has been awarded the title of All-Ireland Library of the Year at the British Book Awards for its innovative project, the Frances Browne Storytellers: Seeing Beyond Sight. This recognition highlights the library’s commitment to inclusivity and creativity within public services across Ireland and the UK.

The winning initiative, developed through the Twin Towns Library located in Stranorlar, celebrates the legacy of local author Frances Browne. It specifically aims to create opportunities for blind and vision-impaired writers, allowing them to showcase their work. The project was made possible through collaboration with Creative Ireland and partnerships with Vision Ireland and the Frances Browne Literary Festival.

In a series of creative workshops, participating writers contributed to a unique anthology that has been published in various accessible formats. The collection, titled Frances Browne Storytellers: Seeing Beyond Sight, is available digitally to library members via the BorrowBox app, as well as in large print and braille formats through the Donegal Studies Collection at any Donegal Library branch.

County Librarian Maureen Kerr expressed her pride in the achievement, noting its significance for the community. “This award is a wonderful recognition of the creativity, ambition and inclusive ethos that defines Donegal Library Service,” she stated. “The Frances Browne Storytellers Project demonstrates the unique role libraries play in empowering voices, preserving cultural heritage and creating opportunities for people to share their stories.”

The project draws inspiration from the life of Frances Browne, who lost her sight due to smallpox at a young age but went on to become a celebrated poet and author in the 19th century.

Executive Librarian Sinead Noonan, who spearheaded the initiative, highlighted the collaborative spirit that underpinned the project. “From the earliest conversations about how best to honour Frances Browne’s legacy, this project has been rooted in collaboration, courage and creativity,” she explained. “What began as an idea to celebrate blind and vision-impaired writers in the spirit of Frances herself became something far more meaningful because of the generosity, talent and belief of everyone involved.”

The recognition of Donegal Libraries at the British Book Awards underscores the library’s vital role in fostering creativity and inclusivity in literature. As the library continues to enhance its services, the Frances Browne Storytellers initiative stands as a testament to the power of community collaboration in the arts.