Clocha Rince Library Shortlisted for National Age Friendly Award
Kildare County Council is pleased to announce that The Wisdom Club in Clocha Rince Library, located in Clocha Rince National School, has been shortlisted for National Age Friendly Recognition and Achievement award. The club will represent Kildare in the national awards ceremony in Limerick this October.
Established in 2008, The Wisdom Club was founded with a vision of bringing generations together in meaningful ways while ensuring that older members of the community remained active, valued, and connected in community life. Built on the understanding that the older generation have a lifetime of knowledge, creativity and experience to share, the initiative provides meaningful opportunities for older people to engage with younger generations, through a wide range of activities including local history projects, reading, knitting, baking, biodiversity walks, playground games, boccia, shuffleboard and many other activities.
The children genuinely look forward to the Wisdom Club visits and have benefitted greatly from the older member’s wisdom and experiences, while learning patience, empathy, respect and communication skills along the way.
Club members, young and old are proud of their achievements, including the Brigid’s Cloak displayed in the library which serves as a lasting symbol of what different generations can achieve when they work together.
Kildare County Council’s Library Service is committed to developing programmes that strengthen communities, promote lifelong learning and bring people together, through a wide range of age-friendly programmes and initiatives, it supports older adults to remain active, connected and engaged in community life.
Gillian Allen, County Librarian, Kildare County Council commented, “As a public library, we’re in a unique position to bring people together. Libraries are so much more than places to borrow books, they are welcoming community spaces where people of all ages can connect, learn from one another and build lasting relationships. I have always believed that older people shouldn’t simply observe community life; they should continue to shape it. We are proud of the Wisdom Club. Here, our members aren’t visitors or spectators. They are, mentors, teachers, storytellers, role models and most importantly, friends. It is great to see them recognised for their commitment and dedication and we wish them well in October.”
Suzanne Sherry, Branch Librarian, Clocha Rince Library said: “I have learned through The Wisdom Club that purpose doesn’t disappear with age. Older people have something to contribute and their experience matters. Having meaningful opportunities to contribute helps people remain connected, confident and engaged in community life.”
The success of The Wisdom Club has been made possible through its partnership with Clocha Rince National School and the continued support of its Principal, staff and pupils. The sixth-class students are currently interviewing club members about school life, transport, food, work, hobbies, games and everyday life in years gone by, helping preserve local memories for future generations.
Yvonne Brennan, Principal, Clocha Rince National School, said, "The Wisdom Club has become an integral part of life in Clocha Rince National School. Through our valued partnership with Clocha Rince Community Library, our pupils have had the privilege of learning from the experience, wisdom and generosity of older members of our community while developing lasting friendships, empathy and respect across generations. We are immensely proud to be part of this remarkable initiative and delighted to see it recognised at national level."
The shortlisting recognises the impact of The Wisdom Club and the strong sense of community, connection and shared learning it has fostered in Clocha Rince for almost two decades.
