Final chapter for book exchange

THERE were mixed emotions earlier this month as Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership hosted its final Book Exchange event in the Civic Centre.

The popular monthly event was as busy as ever with over 300 locals attending, including fifth class students from the Virgin Mary Girls National School, Shangan Road, who were participating in the Book Exchange Bookmark competition.

The young students’ art work was displayed in the Civic Centre during the event with three talented pupils picking up first, second and third prizes for their creative pieces.

In addition to prizes, the whole class received brand new books that were kindly donated to Ballymun Book Exchange by Children’s Books Ireland.

As a result of the recent public tendering process for the Social Inclusion Community Activation Programme (SICAP), Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership says it will no longer be delivering Book Exchange.

However, it’s hoped that the Tolka Area Partnership or another interested community organisation will continue to deliver the popular service.

Book Exchange has been operating in Ballymun since 2009 and offered over 1,000 books free of charge to people in the community.

“The Education Team of the Ballymun Whitehall Area Partnership, who ran the Book Exchange, would like to take this opportunity to thank and acknowledge the hard work and commitment of all our volunteers over the years,

? said Susan Walsh, Education Programme Manager of the partnership.

“Without the help and support from all our volunteers and supporting organisations Book Exchange would not have been possible. Finally we would like to thank Eileen Adams, our Book Exchange Development worker, for her continued hard work as well as all our regular Book Exchangers who have made the event what it is.

?

Ballymun Sinn Féin Councillor, Noeleen Reilly, expressed her disappointment at the closure of the Book Exchange.

“We are starting to see the direct results of the closure of the Ballymun Whitehall Partnership in Ballymun as services cease to operate,

? she said.

“It has played a huge part in encouraging people to read in Ballymun. To see this service close is hugely disappointing and is the start of the avalanche of service closures in the area due to Labour and Fine Gael cuts.

“The Book exchange was an opportunity for those on lower income to have access to reading materials.

“This was a great initiative and was evidenced by the number of people who attended every month.

?

Cllr Reilly is calling on Minister Environment, Community & Local Government, Alan Kelly, to meet the Ballymun Whitehall Partnership to try and reverse the closure.

“I have tried contacting him on numerous occasions but unfortunately he has not replied,

? she said.

“He needs to stop the cuts and ensure that no services will be lost from Ballymun.

?