Yarnspinners receive Diversity 21 award l to r Joy Campbell, Chair of SEELB Library and Information Committee; Mairead Ferguson, Culture Team Librarian; Michael McGimpsey, Minister, Dept Culture, Arts and Leisure; Beth Porter, Chief Librarian SEELB, Adrienne Adair, Assistant Chief Librarian SEELB
Tuesday 9 September sees the launch of the 2003-2004 programme of award winning storytelling group Tullycarnet Yarnspinners. Chief Librarian of South Eastern Education and Library Board, Beth Porter, will introduce the programme at 11am in Tullycarnet Library. She will be joined by some of the storytellers who are booked for what looks sure to be one of the most exciting, entertaining and diverse in the groups history. 
The line-up is awash with big-name tale tellers. Ben Sands and Beverly Robinson are among the star names of storytelling set to appear in Northern Irelands prime yarnspinning venue.
Ben Sands is a member of the illustrious Sands Family; his brothers Tommy and Colum have both been guests of Tullycarnet Yarnspinners in previous years. Beverly Robinsons stories reflect her diverse cultural influences. Born in Rhode Island, USA, of a white mother and a Penobscot Native American father, she married a Northern Ireland man before moving to Quebec and subsequently emigrating to Belfast in 1957. Her childhood experiences in a small reservation in Hoxsie dominate her stories.
Internationally renowned County Antrim storyteller Liz Weir gets the ball rolling on 18 September. Recognised as one of Irelands foremost storytellers, Liz is founder of the Belfast Storytellers and directs several local storytelling festivals. She enjoys an international reputation and the Yarnspinners are delighted that she is able to perform at Tullycarnet before heading off on an Australian tour.
Tom McDevitte MBE, Anita Robinson and the Percy French Quartet are among the other stars of the storytelling craft included in a splendid programme.
Born on St Valentines Day 1991, Tullycarnet Yarnspinners have enthralled lovers of a fine tale for the past ten years. Running between September and May each year, the group meets on the third Thursday of every month in the library. Library staff were instrumental in helping get the Yarnspinners up and running, fulfilling one of the SEELB library services foremost aims of encouraging the public to see the library as a prominent cultural and arts facility; Tullycarnet Library continues to flourish as a venue for arts events and a catalyst for cultural expression. The Yarnspinners have received support and sponsorship from Castlereagh Borough Council, Castlereagh Arts Forum and the Arts Council of Northern Ireland. Recently the Yarnspinners contribution to the cultural life of the community was recognised when it received first prize in the small organisation category in Diversity 21s cultural diversity awards, with an individual award going to Peg Armstrong, who, along with her late husband Jim, founded the group in 1991.
Introducing the ambitious programme Culture Team Librarian Mairead Ferguson said:
The SEELB Library Service is proud that its association with the Yarnspinners has endured. The coming years programme is better than ever and we look forward to continuing the successful partnership
Tuesdays launch is open to everyone. Tea and coffee will be served and new members will be welcomed. Anyone interested should contact library staff on ( 9048 5079