Books written and illustrated by schoolchildren go on exhibit in the Long Room

Posted on: 20 March 2024

An exhibition of 52 handmade books written and illustrated by Dublin primary school students was launched in the Long Room of Trinity’s Old Library on Tuesday, March 19^th.

The ‘Books Out of this World’ exhibition marks the culmination of the Trinity Access Programmes's Bookmarks initiative which saw children from two Dublin primary school write and illustrate their own books over a two-month period with the help of authors, illustrators, and children’s book specialists.

This year students from Our Lady of Lourdes NS, Goldenbridge, Dublin 8 and St. Christopher's Primary School, Haddington Road, Dublin 4 participated in the programme. They were supported by TY Mentors from local secondary schools Mercy Inchicore and Marian College.

The initiative aims to inspire the children to become the next generation of storytellers, artists, and creatives. Bookmarks is organised by Trinity Access Programmes (TAP) which supports students from under-represented backgrounds to progress to further education.  

Bookmark participants from Our Lady of Lourdes NS, Goldenbridge, Dublin 8 and St. Christopher's Primary School, Haddington Road, Dublin 4.

The exhibition was launched by Helen Shenton Librarian and College Archivist and award-winning children’s author Alan Nolan. 

Helen Shenton, Librarian and College Archivist, commented: “Our collaboration with Trinity Access Programmes’ Bookmarks initiative aims to inspire children to become the next generation of storytellers, artists and students. It is seminal to the Library’s outreach programme. This year’s participating school children are authors of the future and we are delighted to be hosting an exhibition of their wonderful illustrated works in the Old Library, launching this evening with all of the participants joined by their parents and teachers at the celebratory award event.”

The exhibition forms part of the Book of Kells Experience. See here for information on booking tickets. The books will be on display in the Long Room until the end of May and will then become part of Trinity’s permanent collection of over six million printed volumes including the world-renowned Book of Kells.  

Wendy Crampton, Director of TAP, added: “Bookmarks engages TAP’s youngest students and forms part of a suite of interventions provided as part of Trinity’s outreach activities with disadvantaged schools and communities. Many of the students who have been part of this programme go on to successfully participate in third-level education. Their experience of the Bookmarks programme is often remembered as giving them confidence and ambition for the future.”

This year, writing and illustration workshops were delivered by author Erika McGann, and illustrator Angela McDonagh with the support of editor Sine Quinn. Their work with students focused on the theme of ‘Books Out of this World’.

Erika McGann said: “I joined the Bookmarks programme last year, and I love the excitement around reading, writing, illustrating and learning that it brings to the classrooms we visit. Every group is different, and the array of imaginative stories and ideas is always fantastic. This year's classes have been so enthusiastic and have worked so hard to produce really beautiful books.”

Warren Farrell, Primary Outreach Coordinator in TAP concluded: “Stories live in Trinity, and the stories of our primary school students are vital to the future of the university. Our outreach programmes engage over 10,000 students annually, and with continued involvement and support, these students and their peers will successfully make the transition to both second and third level.” 

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