GRAIGNAMANAGH Library was transformed into the Titanic at a hugely enjoyable ‘Afternoon tea on the Titanic’ event recently.

It was held as part of the One Book One Community Festival as the people of Graignamanagh and Bagenalstown turn the page on Spirit of the Titanic in community reading projects.

Local students, teachers and library staff all wore period dress and became ‘passengers’ of the Titanic for the day.

They each wore a different style of costume, indicating the various classes that travelled on the ill-fated liner.

Duiske college principal Pat Murphy also got into the spirit of things by taking on the role of ship’s captain Edward Smyth as he welcomed all of the passengers on their journey and giving information about the ship.

Pat Murphy as Captain Smith addresses the gathering in Graignamanagh Library for the Titanic ‘One Book, One Community’ afternoon tea

“It was a really good afternoon, a lovely atmosphere,” said Brenda Foskin, local home-school community liaison co-ordinator.

“We had entertainment from the Dolmen set dancers and music from the Duiske College traditional music group for all the passengers.”

Home economics students at Duiske College, led by teacher Theresa Doyle, also rowed in and prepared cakes, sandwiches and scones with a period twist, right down to the china and using tea leaves for a brew.

And there were little and not-so-little touches to bring the day the life as a lifeboat was also brought into the library and the local boys school had made lifebuoys.

The day was also a showcase of impressive woodwork and art local that students had completed in the boys school, Scoil Mhuire gan Smál and Duiske College.

The next outing as part of the One Book One Community festival is a trip to the Titanic Centre in Belfast on Thursday 2 March.

Khan Kiely of Khan’s Book Shop will also hold an ‘Encourage your child to read’ workshop in Graignamanagh Library today (Tuesday 28 February) at 7pm.

There will also be table quizzes in both participating towns for all ages.

In Bagenalstown, the quiz will take place at the Railway House on Monday 6 March at 8pm, while Graignamanagh Library will host the quiz in that town at 7pm on Tuesday 7 March.