Growing Imaginations

Read about this creative programme for adults with intellectual disabilities.

Growing Imaginations

Growing Imaginations Logo

Growing Imaginations is a Cork City Libraries service for adults with intellectual disabilities. It involves the creation of sensory tactile books that can be used by people with profound intellectual disabilities. The sensory components of the book are all stored in a specifically designed bag. The stories for the books are inspired by the adults themselves with help from their care workers and Cork writer Kevin Doyle thus ensuring that the books are subject appropriate. The components for the books are made by groups of adults with intellectual disabilities with the help of artists from Cork Textile Network. Workshops take place in Bishopstown and Hollyhill Library.

The books may be borrowed by arrangement with Bishopstown Library or Hollyhill Library for a month at a time by groups or individuals. The books may also be used on site in one of the community rooms by groups by prior arrangement.

If you wish to borrow a book please contact Mary Corcoran in Bishopstown Library (021) 492 4959 or to arrange a group visit to Bishopstown Library please contact Fionuala Ronan (021) 492 4953. To borrow a book from Hollyhill Library, or to arrange a visit, please contact Elizabeth McNamara (021) 4924928.

Since the Growing Imaginations, Book in a Bag programme, began in 2012, we’ve added over 30 titles which can be borrowed from Cork City Libraries.

Designed to enhance the reading experience for adults we support, each Book in a Bag contains a story, along with supporting story cards and objects.

The current Book in a Bag Programme is funded by Cork City Libraries and the Dormant Accounts Fund.  It is created in partnership with the Cope Foundation, the Cork Textiles Network and author Kevin Doyle.

Healthy Takeaway Sensory Book in a Bag with Cork City Libraries - a Growing Imaginations initiative

Cork City Libraries have produced three new videos entitled “Be Well, Eat Well and Think Well”. The three videos feature John, Jessica and Danielle, Special Olympics Ireland athletes, who kindly share their tips on healthy living. The videos are based on the Growing Imaginations Healthy Takeaway Sensory Book in a Bag series. More titles from the Sensory Book in a Bag series are available to borrow at Cork City Libraries.

This video programme was financed by Cork City Libraries and the Dormant Accounts Fund.


Be Well


Think Well



Eat Well


Here are three more sensory stories for you to enjoy.


A Very Hot Day



Floris and Her Dog



The Hot Air Balloon


Growing Imaginations at Bishopstown Library

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