On July 25, the Kilkenny Mayfair library will open its doors to The Kitchen Session. The event is for anyone who likes to sing a song, recite a poem, dance a jig or play a tune. The library informed The Kilkenny Observer that the invitation is open to all. So, if you have a ukulele, tin whistle or saxophone you are invited to bring it along. If however, you just want to come along to listen and enjoy the session then that is fine also.
For a number of years, The Kitchen Session has been providing music and song in and around Kilkenny city and county and using various venues to host the events. The Observer spoke to Liz Kett, one of the founders of the session group, who informed us that from the outset, the idea was to have a bit of fun through music and song. “There are no airs and graces, just music, song, poetry and an odd recitation thrown in for good measure,” explained Liz. Liz went on to explain that the sessions are all done in a very relaxed atmosphere where enjoyment of music and the spoken word are all important.
While great credit must go to the group of storytellers and musicians for presenting the event, praise also must go to Kilkenny library for hosting the event. Liz Kett takes up the story. “Jim Byrne and myself were chatting about our weekly music sessions and we wondered if a daytime performance might suit certain people in our community. We realised that some people, who love music, might not like the idea of attending such shows in a ‘pub setting’, or indeed, for whatever reason might prefer not to attend night time performances.”
And so, the idea of a daytime performance was born. Jim and Liz approached Mayfair executive librarian Nuala Roche who welcomed the idea, and the first Kitchen Session took place in May of this year. “It is so important that the library is seen as very much a community venue where all are welcome and the inclusion of groups like The Kitchen Session is part and parcel of what we are about,” explained Nuala.
One cannot but take time to tip the cap to Mr Andrew Carnegie who, you could say, started the ball rolling. Carnegie was a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, who led the expansion of the American steel industry in the late 19th century and became one of the richest Americans in history. Between 1883 and 1929, Carnegie funded over 3,000 libraries across the globe, including 1,689 in the United States alone. His goal was simple but powerful: make books—and therefore, self-improvement—accessible to everyone. His legacy lives on in public libraries that continue to serve millions. Andrew significantly contributed to the establishment of public libraries in Ireland, donating £170,000 between 1897 and 1913. One such library was the library on John’s Quay in Kilkenny.
Let us return for a moment to November 4 1910 when the Carnegie free library was officially opened by Lady Ellen Desart. Lady Desart’s words on that day are worth recalling. “May its wisdom reach forth, spreading its power from our very heartland to the distant shores of our seas. It is my ardent desire that this establishment never merely becomes to be regarded as a comfortable abode for idle leisure. Let us all unite to ensure that our library becomes not just a building of books, but a mighty engine for the uplifting and enlightenment of this beloved country.” She concluded her speech with “ I appeal to the people of Kilkenny: may you recognise the potential of this building and its treasury of knowledge.”
In April 2024, the library moved from ‘the Quay’ to Parliament Street where it is now known as The Mayfair library. And what a fantastic building and service it is. Hardly a week goes by, when there is something new happening, for young and old alike. One imagines that both Andrew and Ellen would approve.
The Kitchen Session takes place at The Mayfair Library on July 25th from 10:30am to 12:30pm.
