Carlow county library talks to help people spot fake news

CARLOW County Library Service will run a series of free talks next month to help people spot fake news and understand the media better.

Journalist and broadcaster Eimear Ní Bhraonáin will run sessions at three library locations to mark International Literacy Day. The talks will be held at Carlow Library on Tuesday, 10 September at 6:30pm, Tullow Library on Thursday, 12 September at 11:30am, and Muinebheag Library the same day at 2:30pm.

Using her experience in newspapers, radio and television, Ms Ní Bhraonáin will look at how people get their news today and the problems with false information. She will use real examples to give practical tips on how to read and watch the news with a critical eye.

The founder of Eimear.ie has written for the Irish Independent, The Herald and the Sunday Independent, and has worked in senior roles. She is also known for her work on KCLR’s main current affairs show and has worked as a radio and TV producer.

“We’re excited to welcome Eimear Ní Bhraonáin to our libraries this September,” said Dermot O’Leary, Skills for Life coordinator. “Her talks will help people think more carefully about the news they read and watch.” Helen Walsh, regional literacy coordinator, added: “We’re delighted to work with Carlow County Library Service to help adults understand media literacy.” The talks are part of the Skills for Life programme, which runs in public libraries across Ireland to help people develop important life skills. The programme is run with Adult Literacy for Life/KCETB.

International Literacy Day has been marked every year on 8 September since 1967 to show how important reading and writing skills are for society. This year’s theme is “Promoting literacy in the digital era.” Entry is free but you need to book in advance. For the Carlow talk, contact library@carlowcoco.ie or 059 912 9705. For Tullow, email jpatton@carlowcoco.ie or call 059 913 6299. For Muinebheag, contact nbrennan@carlowcoco.ie or 059 912 973.