NEWS & EVENTS

EUCEN Dialogue MARCH 2012 Newsletter

MACE BOOK LAUNCHED

Building a Better Future: Contributions by the Irish Defence Forces LAUNCHED 8 March BY MINISTER IN THE CURRAGH CAMP - Available for purchase

NUI Maynooth Library Initiative Launch

The Department in conjunction with the Library Council of Ireland, the Department of Environment, Community and Local Government and two local Partnership companies, Kildare and Northside, have begun the pilot phase of an education initiative that gives people the chance to experience third level education in their local library. 

The programme is open to all 18-80 (and beyond) and the only requirement is that the student is curious about the world in which we live and has a willingness to learn.  The 20 week course contains modules on Local History; Community Development; Reading Enrichment; and Sociology.  The initiative was launched in Kildare town Library and Coolock Library in February 2012 and the response was overwhelming.

There were so many people in both venues that the library staff had to open the main library floor to the lecturers to cater to the demand. The sense of excitement and enthusiasm from all, students, library staff, lecturers and partnership staff was remarkable and shows how civic engagement can enhance the role of the university as a social and cultural resource within wider society. 

We hope to extend this initiative over the coming years.