Right to read

Increased library opening hours, a literacy programme aimed at young parents and their children and council-backed homework clubs are just some of the measures being proposed by Labour's Cllr Keith Martin to tackle illiteracy and to promote reading in Mayo.  

Cllr Keith Martin, who is a Branch Librarian at Westport Library, is backing "The Right to Read campaign" which is directed towards education in the community and uses the resources of Local Authorities to back up vital literacy programmes like Homework Clubs, Home-Reading initiatives and Public Libraries.  The campaign is backed by the children's charity Barnardos, unions SIPTU, INTO, TUI, ASTI and the National Adult Literacy Agency.

Cllr Martin says "Children who go to primary school, must 'Learn to Read so that they Read to Learn' when they move up to secondary school.  According to the latest Census figures 19% of secondary students in Mayo drop out of school when they reach 15 or after their junior certificate. Many, but not all, do so because they have difficulty with reading and writing. 

"Nationally there are at least half a million adults that are functionally illiterate.  Many of these people are doomed to low incomes or long term unemployment, especially in the current economy.  We must work to eliminate illiteracy and to create an literate and confident society and workforce.  

"Also there are huge personal benefits to reading, for example reading stimulates the mind (unlike television), reading improves our vocabulary, concentration, focus and memory and allows us to develop our creativity.  In addition to this its great fun, whether its escapism in good novel or a DIY or cookery book to help us around the home.

Cllr Martin concludes "I am committed to implementing the Right to Read programme when I am elected to Mayo County Council.  We must make sure that no child or adult is left behind, we must also ensure that everyone learns to read, for education and for fun.  Libraries offer great value for money, with free membership for children up to 18 and a maximum annual membership cost of just €3.  For that you get to borrow five books, CDs, DVDs for free, free internet access and access to a huge amount of reference and support materials. The Right to Read campaign aims to highlight these opportunities and to promote literacy and the enjoyment of reading in Mayo."

CORE Initiatives

Increase library opening hours, especially in the evenings after school.
Ensure that all libraries publish community outreach plans and work with schools and community groups to maximise participation in library activities amongst all age groups.
Increase the number of activities in libraries to promote reading.
Expand the mobile library service.
Encourage literacy amongst young parents with the promotion of 'Baby Books Bundle' by the library service.
Encourage all Local Authorities to establish Right to Read Committees involving elected members and appropriate officers from council management.
'Family Learning through Football' courses (Sunderland F.C. model) encouraging positive parenting and family literacy through sport in association with sporting organisations run in council community centres.
A greater volume of multi-lingual textbooks in our library service.
A greater roll out of schemes like the 'Beano Comic Initiative' as sponsored by Dublin City Council across the country.