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LibraryThe mission of the West Side Irish-American Club Library is to promote the culture and traditions of Ireland by providing the club members educational materials in various formats on Irish and Irish-related topics. To preserve and maintain these collections for the enrichment of future members and the promotion of the Irish heritage.
WORD HAS ITFrom Your Library ... (published in February, 2012)
If you are looking for a great resource of information on Irish organizations, places and people in the Cleveland area, the McNeeley Library has a copy of “Greater Cleveland Irish Directory” by John O’Brien, published under the auspices of the Irish-American Charitable Foundation of Cleveland, Ohio”. This notebook type publication is well presented, has easy to read subject tabs and very current information. It was published in July 2011. This is classified as reference material, consequently it cannot be removed from the library. Stop in and browse through it. The library is pleased to announce they are working with Kevin O’Toole to present a program about Johnny Kilbane, featherweight boxing champion from 1912 to 1923. Kevin is the great-grandson of the boxer. Mark your calendars for this exciting event to be presented Sun., April 22, 2012; 2:00 pm at the Club. More detailed information will follow in the April bulletin. Good health, good reading,
Rose Conley
WORD HAS ITFrom Your Library ... (published in January, 2012)
Review submitted by Donna Gilson
“The Woman Who Walked Into Doors” by Roddy Doyle: This story is a realistic and poignant tale of Paula Spencer and her family in working class Dublin in the 1970’s. She is a victim of domestic abuse, she uses drugs and alcohol to numb her experience, she feels she is the only person to suffer her fate. The title of this book is a euphamism. It's what Paula and thousands of women like her say to their friends to cover their black-eyes and bloodied, broken noses. The writer succeeds in painting a shockingly realistic portrayal of a relatively unassuming wife who has gotten herself trapped in a violent and abusive relationship. Doyle does an excellent job of telling her story in the first person, in a forthright and even funny way. She becomes very real; the troubles of her marriage and children become very real as the characters are vividly brought to life. The writer makes the reader feel the tears, hear the music and even taste the Guinness page after page. Paula becomes a widow, forcing her to confront her demons. Her children have been affected by the dysfunctional behaviors of both parents. She begins to make amends to them in her simplistic way. Doyle received many positive accolades from reviewers and his peers on this well written book.
Happy New Year to all from The McNeeley Library
Good health, good reading,
Rose Conley
WORD HAS ITFrom Your Library ... (published in December, 2011)
The McNeeley Library is proud to present a special opportunity for our WSIA Club Members, and any guests with which they wish to share this website. Linen Hall Library, the oldest library in Belfast (l788) and the only subscription library left in Ireland, has recently digitized their Postcard Collection, which dates back to the late 19th century and covers the 32 counties of Ireland. There are over 6000 historic images available, which should be of great interest to our club members. Many small towns and villages in remote parts of Ireland are featured. They are making this collection accessible to an international audience. This collection can be viewed at www.linenhall.com/shoponline.asp . If you have questions regarding this collection, you may contact Monica Cash, Deputy Librarian at Linen Hall Library. The library address is: 17 Donegall Square North, Belfast BT1 5GB. Her email address is: m.cash@linenhall.com.
The members of the McNeeley Library wishes all of our WSIA members a very Merry Christmas and we wish for you a Healthy, Happy New Year.
Good health, good reading,
Rose Conley
WORD HAS ITFrom Your Library ... (published October 2011)
I wonder how many members -- and guests -- have noticed the showcase window in the pub? That's the nice big window showcase between the bar and the Library door. The theme changes from time to time.
Have you seen the digital picture frame in the window? It's great fun to check it out, see if your photo pops up on the screen. Now here's your chance to submit photos for the display.
We are looking for interesting pictures of an event or person, which pertains to our IA Club. It can be an old or new photo, something from back when. If you would please have your photos loaded onto a media device, such as a flash drive, DVD, CD, or a photo card, it would be helpful. If you do not have access to such a device, you can take your photos to any drug store, Wal-Mart, K-Mart or photo store to have the photo transferred. It is very inexpensive to have this done. You can give the media device to a librarian or leave it in the office in an envelope with your name and phone number on it. After we load your photo onto the digital screen, we will quickly return your device to you.
The Library Committee's discretion will choose which photos we can use. Remember it must pertain to our West Side Irish-American Club. You may include a note with any information you wish regarding the photo.
Good health, good reading,
Rose Conley
WORD HAS ITFrom Your Library ... Book review by Brendan Gannon
William P. sexton, in "Escape from Barbados," introduces us, not only to Ireland and its people, but also takes us on an historical journey which is both dangerous and exciting.
Between 1652 and 1659, over 50,000 Irish men, women and children were transported to Barbados and Virginia by England's Oliver Cromwell, and as of now there is no account of anyone escaping. Sean Tierney was one of the many deportees who were sent to Barbados. He was taken in chains from his Limerick home from his wife and children in the middle of the night. It took him over 35 years to return to Ireland.
This is Sean's story, about his adventures, the difficulties he went through to return home to his family. During the time he was enslaved, he fell in love with an African Princess that he met on Barbados. His multiracial son and grandson also journey with him on his adventure. In his travels he meets many historical figures; famous pirates, priests and slaves from Africa and he fought alongside these characters throughout the book. This is a struggle of pure determination and courage by one man to endure against overwhelming odds in his quest to return to his homeland.
This is an exceptionally poignant story of the plight of the Irish who were transported as slaves to the Caribbean without being preachy about it. The action is both exciting and believable. The writer could have put more into his characters and their activities, as the book was rather condensed.
Good Health, Good Reading,
Rose Conley
WORD HAS ITFrom Your Library ... (published in the August bulletin)
As I sat down to write this article, with a very blank mind, I started to look back through the articles I have previously written for this bulletin. I was surprised to discover copies back to Dec. 2006. That’s a lot of book reviews, publicity on events the library sponsored, articles to urge you to pick out a book to read and enjoy, articles to let you know what material we have in the library, articles to encourage the children to read, articles regarding the memorial bricks, articles of congratulations to the honorees each St. Patrick’s Day. It makes me feel good when a club member tells me the current article was interesting. I am pleasantly surprised to see who reads my articles. The articles are written for the McNeely Library. I am proud to accept your kind words in their name. If you have criticism, that’s ok, tell the librarian on duty.
I encourage you to visit the library if you are not acquainted with us. We are a laid back group that enjoys the material in the library. We especially enjoy bringing interesting programs and speakers to the club for you. Again we invite you to join us on our committee.
Good health, good reading,
Rose Conley
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