Galway’s Great Read is an annual programme of events developed and hosted by Galway Public Libraries, each November. It aims to promote literary heritage, history and Galway’s unique culture, and to foster an appreciation for its diversity and richness.
Library Publications
'A nuisance or a luxury...' Historical and Nostalgic Reflections: 100 Years of Galway Public Libraries
Galway Public Libraries
2024
Galway Public Libraries celebrated its centenary year in 2024 - 100 years since the establishment of the simple network of book centres under the auspices of the Carnegie Trust in 1924 to the vibrant dynamic library service of today, which embraces technology, fosters inclusivity, enables creativity, and champions lifelong learning.
This book captures the history and essence of a library service which spans one hundred years. It includes wonderful contributions from Patricia Forde, (Laureate na nÓg, Ireland’s Children’s Literature Laureate), Nuala O’Connor (author), Pat McMahon (former Galway County Librarian), Dr Jim Higgins (Galway City Heritage Officer), and Patria McWalter (Galway County Council Archivist).
Westward Ho! A Ramble Through Galway 1840-1950: Collected Essays
Galway County Council Archives & Galway Public Libraries
2021
A beautifully produced collection of essays by various experts reflects on several extraordinary travel writers, their works, lives, and times. It examines their place in the genre of travel literature and the images and artwork depicted in their writings. The featured works and authors include:
- Ireland: Its Scenery, Character, etc. (1843) by Anna Maria and Samuel Hall
- Lough Corrib, Its Shores and Islands: With Notices of Lough Mask (1867) by Sir William Wilde
- The Corrib Country (1943) and Connacht and the City of Galway (1952) by Richard Hayward
Accompanying this collection is an atmospheric travel documentary film in two parts, Westward Ho! Travel Writers Remembered. This film revisits and examines some of the sites explored by the Halls, Wilde, and Hayward. It serves as a companion piece to the publication and is available on Galway Public Libraries’ YouTube channel:
The project was funded under the Creative Ireland/Galway County Council Cultural and Creativity Strategy, 2018-2022.