Schools Library Service
Teachers, learning support teachers and playschool leaders can sign up for a 'block loan' library card at their nearest library branch. With this card, they can borrow up to 40 items at a time and keep them for up to 12 weeks. The card can also be used to request items from other public libraries all over Ireland.
Teachers are also welcome to visit the School Library Service at Mayo Library Headquarters (adjacent to Castlebar Library). The Schools Library Section is open from Wednesday to Friday, and appointments can be made by phone: (094) 9047934 or email: mbohan@mayococo.ie
The Mayo School Library Service offers a wealth of information and resources to all Learning Support/Resource primary school teachers in County Mayo, including the following:
- Teacher Resource Collection (TRC)
This collection is intended to provide information and assistance to both classroom and special needs teachers. Topics include Autism; Dyslexia; Bullying; Gifted Children; Self-Esteem; ADHD etc. The collection prioritises authors and titles providing strategies for implementation in the classroom and home. A catalogue of the Teacher Resource Collection is now available for downloading. - Specialist Service for Learning Support & Resource teachers
A specialist stock of material is available in the School Library Department. Resources include Hi/Lo reading material (high interest/low reading ability) and series such as Wolf Hill; Story World; Sparklers; Gigglers; Barrington Stokes and many more.
- Dual-Language Collection
A special dual-language collection is available to help meet the needs of the large numbers of New Irish students attending Mayo Schools.These books contain both English and a second language text for example: English/Gujarati; English/Somali; English/Polish; English/Urdu etc. Multi-cultural Resources
- Touch, Hear and See Collection
A special “Touch, Hear and See” collection for children with one or multiple disabilities is available for use by classroom and SEN teachers.
- Request Service
Teachers may request particular titles, authors or topics. If urgent, requested items can be posted or delivered to schools or the nearest Mayo library.
- Advisory Service
Guidance and support in all areas of children’s literature, reading and literacy development is provided. Advice and expertise is also available on all matters concerned with the setting up and organization of school libraries. The School Service provides help with special book activities and events and supplies book lists on many different areas of children's reading.