Students’ handmade books join exhibition at iconic Trinity College

AN EXHIBITION of 80 handmade books written and illustrated by several Southside primary schoolchildren has been unveiled in the iconic Old Library of Trinity College.

Launched by award-winning children’s book author, Dave Rudden, the exhibition marks the culmination of the Bookmarks programme which saw the children create their own books over a two-month period with the help of authors, artists and book specialists from Trinity.

The project aims to inspire the children to become the next generation of storytellers, artists and creatives.

Bookmarks is organised by the Trinity Access Programmes (TAP), which supports students from under-represented backgrounds to progress to further education.

At the launch fifth and sixth class pupils from Scoil Cholmchille SNS, Ballybrack; Our Lady of Good Counsel BNS, Drimnagh; and Marist Primary School, Crumlin saw their own creations go on display in the awe-inspiring Long Room.

Their books will now become part of Trinity’s permanent collection of over six million printed volumes which includes the world-renowned Book of Kells.

Kathleen O’Toole-Brennan, Trinity Access Programmes, said: “Here at Trinity Access Programmes we are very proud of the Bookmarks initiative and the unique opportunity it provides for children to acquire new skills and to be exposed to the world of children’s literature in a very hands-on way.

“We are delighted to unveil these beautiful works of art and literature. 

“Our outreach programmes attract over 10,000 students annually, and with continued involvement, these students and their peers will successfully make the transition to both second and third level.”

This year the Bookmarks programme focused on the theme ‘Creatures and Creations’. Writing and illustrating workshops were delivered by Sine Quinn, Catherine Ann Cullen and Angela McDonagh. Inspiration for the book-making workshops was provided by staff from the library and the School of English, who introduced the children to the Library’s Pollard Collection – the largest collection of children’s books in Ireland, comprising over 10,000 books dating from the 17th century to the early 20th century.

The wide range of topics that fired the children’s imagination is evident from the titles of their books this year which include: ‘The Adventures of Kevin the Carrot’; ‘Fighting My Thoughts’ and ‘The Mysterious Box’.