Dingwall library story circle set to extend far and wide after local trailblazer

A ROSS-SHIRE library that pioneered a story circle tackling issues including racism and prejudice is set to see the ripples of its project spread far and wide.

The Heartstone Story Circle based at Dingwall Library aimed to tackle some of the highest priority issues of the time while increasing interest in reading amongst participants.

Those attending the Dingwall sessions included some from newly arrived Syrian refugee families in the area and resulted in art and poetry being displayed in Inverness. Young people attending Obsdale Primary in Alness also took part.

The project has already inspired similar schemes in Manchester, Lancashire and London and is now set to spread to other libraries, and will be relayed to MSP at Holyrood.

Local MSP Kate Forbes visited the project office in Dingwall this week and hailed the "pioneering" work taking place in the town. She said: "Heartstone reading groups tackle issues like racism in a way that helps children to understand what is right and wrong themselves.It has been used effectively in many schools, but this is the first time it has been delivered in a library. I’d like to pay tribute to the librarians who deliver this."

The project centres on reading The Heartstone Odyssey to generate discussion and debate on the themes of prejudice, intolerance and the hate crime. Sitakumari, drector of Heartstone, said:

‘I am delighted the very first library-based story circle took shape in Dingwall, the home of Heartstone and has been such a success. We look forward to seeing this project spread to libraries throughout the land!"

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