Cork City Libraries as a Play Partner- the role of the public library service in supporting access to play for all

Abstract

Cork as a city is embracing play, not just for children but for people of all ages. We are acknowledging the need to play and advocating for the right to play. The city is one of seven partner cities participating in the URBACT Playful Paradigm transfer network, an initiative that promotes the use of play for promoting social inclusion, healthy lifestyles and energy awareness, place-making and economic prosperity.

The Let's Play! Cork Steering Group brings together representatives from a diverse range of groups to explore how we can embed play into the fabric of our city and Cork City Libraries welcomes the opportunities that being part of this network brings. The idea of play is not new to the library - stories and play are intertwined, and it is often difficult to separate them. It could be argued that stories are a type of play, and many types of play are a way of creating and telling stories.

Building on the connection between story and play Cork City Libraries actively looks for ways to include play in our collection development and in our programming. A new toy collection will support access to play for people of all ages. The collection aligns with the Sustainable Development Goal of responsible consumption as members can borrow rather than buy toys. Playful programming for children and adults supports individuals, families, and communities to access play in all its forms, as well as providing us with opportunities to introduce the library service to new audiences.

This poster showcases the key role Cork City Libraries has in delivering the goals of the Let's Play! Cork Steering Group.