Writers in Libraries Scheme 2012

Applications are invited from library authorities for funding under the Writers in Libraries Scheme,  for projects to run during 2012.

*Download an application form.*

The general theme for this year’s funding is ‘Reaching the Hard-to-Reach’, people and communities who are less likely to use public libraries and/or who face particular barriers to accessing public library, cultural, and education services.

The hard-to-reach include, for example, the over-55s; reluctant readers; people who don’t use libraries; people with poor experiences of formal education and people who are live in socio-economically deprived areas.

Partnership is once again a key criteria and projects involving the community and voluntary pillar would be particularly welcome.

Funding

Funding amounts may vary, but in general will not exceed €2,000 for any one project.

The drawdown of funding will be as agreed in a contract with the individual library authority.

How to apply

Applications should be made in a well-thought through proposal (in a maximum of 4 pages/1,500 words) giving an outline of the project with as much detail as possible, including the aim; the target audience; the timeframe; the genre and biographical details of participating artists, and a detailed breakdown of the budget for the project.

*Download an application form.*

Criteria

Applications must clearly display, and will be rated on a scoring system based on, the following criteria:

  • Evidence of collaboration with partners in both programme design and funding;
  • Evidence of being part of the Library’s Reader Development Strategy;
  • Evidence of innovation in the library’s programming;
  • Evidence of the central participation of a writer/storyteller (is féidir na scríbhneoirí a scríobh i mBéarla nó i nGaeilge);
  • Evidence of a focus on the promotion of literature and the use of library stock, and
  • Evidence of strategies for employing digital media as part of the project.

Successful applicants will be required to participate in an evaluation of the project.

Deadline

The closing date for applications is Friday 17thFebruary 2012 at 5pm. Applications may be emailed, with hardcopy following by post.

*Download an application form.*

Contact

Applications should be made directly to education@poetryireland.ie to arrive on the 17th February deadline at the latest. A hard copy must also be forwarded to Poetry Ireland, Writers in Libraries Scheme, 32 Kildare Street, Dublin 2.

*Download an application form.*

Selection

Final selection of projects will be by a three-person selection committee representing Poetry Ireland/Éigse Éireann, An Chomhairle Leabharlanna, and the Arts Council.

The Writers in Libraries Scheme

Officially re-launched in September 2010, the Writers in Libraries Scheme aims to provide funding for imaginative literary programming by public libraries across the country.

The Scheme encourages collaboration with local and national literary festivals, resource organisations, schools and also encourages libraries to use digital and social media.

The Scheme is co-funded by the Arts Council and the An Chomhairle Leabharlanna and is managed and administered by Poetry Ireland/Éigse Éireann.

In 2011, twelve Library authorities in ten counties engaged with sixteen artists in ten projects focused on teenage audiences. Project themes included the Short Story; Performance Poetry; Drama and Creative Writing; Storytelling; Poetry Speaking; The Graphic Novel; Manga; Radio Drama, and a Facebook Project. An evaluation of these projects is presently underway.

Further information is available from Jane O’Hanlon, education@poetryireland.ie, telephone 01 4758605/4758601.