Latest news with #Bookshelf
Extra.ie
18 hours ago
- Politics
- Extra.ie
Ryan Tubridy: Why I'm baffled by the unhinged nature of presidential election
In a recent interview with former president, Mary McAleese on my Bookshelf podcast, she spent some time reflecting on her experience as a candidate for the highest office in the land. As she spoke, I noticed how upset she was as she recalled the savagery of that time and how she feared for her own safety as well as that of her family. As someone who has interviewed the last three presidents (and their rivals in the various elections), I am repeatedly taken aback at the level of acrimony, cruelty and let's face it, prurience that goes with the task of running for the Áras. Ryan Tubridy and Mary McAleese. Pic: Supplied The bizarre thing about it is that as soon as the president is elected, the mob stops as if switched off with a button. The President is generally respected and afforded a dignity that tends to go with the ceremonial nature of the august position. I continue to be baffled by the unhinged nature of presidential election coverage. I understand that there must be scrutiny and that the campaign is one long job interview, but is there a need for all that frothing at the mouth? In the past few days, Mairead McGuinness withdrew her candidacy for health reasons (and I wish her a speedy recovery). For the other candidates (real or imagined) it was gloves off before they barely opened their mouths. The Irish Times went for Tony Holohan as soon as he suggested that his private polling had him at a healthy 15 per cent. Immediately there were cries of 'But what about?_____ or _____ or _____ (fill in the gaps as you see fit). Then the young tech boss, Gareth Sheridan (who I never heard of before this week) stood up and found himself talking about some row or other with former candidate, Sean Gallagher. Michael Flatley got grief for some property deal and God help Bertie Ahern if he gets near the nomination (just wait for the 'But what about _______ and _______ and _______ and on and on'). I'm not trying to be Pollyanna here; candidates must be accountable and have their ducks in a row but why the constant negativity rather than a balanced look at our putative presidents? Why not counter the bloodthirsty coverage with a nod to Riverdance as an international success story or the largely successful navigation through Covid when we were scared out of our wits – or indeed the masterful negotiation of the Good Friday Agreement (depending on your preferred candidate). In other words, by all means haul people over the coals but at least give some credit where it's due. Is it any wonder that people are moving away from news coverage when it's either too sad or simply (and arguably) gratuitously negative? Pic: The Bookshelf with Ryan Tubridy/ Instagram Maybe if the coverage of, and investigation into, the various candidates was a little more reasonable and less hysterical, we might have a bigger and better field of high-calibre candidate and while I admire anyone for getting into this particular arena, I would argue that with more level-headed reportage, this would be a better election for everyone, particularly the voters. To those families waiting on Leaving Cert results let me just wish you good luck and urge you not to panic. I'm not talking about what we used to call the 'straight A' students who have nothing to worry about, but rather the students like me (back in 1991) waiting on a clutch of 'C' grades (except English and History, my pet subjects!). The reality is that what's done is done, so we're into what I believe is known as 'radical acceptance', a phrase my partner Clare taught me soon after we got together. Life can be complicated and it is coming down with brickbats and curveballs as well as the bouquets and golden moments. So when the results roll in and they aren't what you expected, take a breath and look at the situation with new eyes because life has decided that you're hopping on a different bus and heading down an unexpected road. The college you wanted to attend or the apprenticeship you were counting on may be off the agenda for now. This is where 'radical acceptance' comes in. It takes a while to take this on board (get all those pent-up expletives out of your system too, that's healthy) but look at the new bus as a new adventure rather than a cruel challenge. Now you'll meet different friends in other places to the ones you had planned for, and the key to that is the fact there are options when it comes to friends and places at your age. Yes, your plans have been upended. Yes, it feels like fate is conspiring against you. Yes, it's OK to feel like you got a bad deal, BUT if you flip all of that, things are looking up already. Clare Tubridy and Ryan Tubridy join Elgin Loane, Publisher of The Irish Post, for The King George for a day of hospitality curated by Zafar Rushdie at Ascot Racecourse. Pic: Getty Images I'm sorry if that feels like gobbledegook, but I have felt all of the above, and I urge you to take it from one who knows. Good luck and well done for getting this far, now go forth and be brilliant. I WAS delighted to accept an invitation to be part of a Celebration of Michael D Higgins at the National Concert Hall on Friday September 5. It looks like a potentially beautiful evening of music and poetry with Tommy Tiernan, left, acting as master of ceremonies. The likes of Paul Brady and Imelda May, far left, will be performing and a few people, myself included, will be reciting one of the president's poems to the accompaniment of the National Symphony Orchestra Ireland. Claddagh Records have been working closely with the president to ensure his writing is recorded and available to all and this coming event promises to be a fitting evening and part of an overall national thank you to the president himself.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Savvas Offers K-12 Educators Free Access to Robust Science of Reading Resources
On-demand webinars presented by leading literacy experts now available on the Savvas Science of Reading Digital Bookshelf, just in time for summer learning PARAMUS, N.J., June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Savvas Learning Company, a next-generation K-12 learning solutions leader, today announced that K-12 educators are invited to sign up for its newly expanded Science of Reading Digital Bookshelf, which provides free access to dozens of high-quality professional learning resources. Educators can access the Digital Bookshelf whenever and wherever they have an Internet connection, allowing for anytime, anywhere professional learning this summer — at home, at the park, and even at the beach. The Science of Reading Digital Bookshelf contains more than 50 high-quality professional learning resources, including on-demand webinars, ebooks, self-study guides, ready-to-use classroom activity guides, blogs, podcasts, educational videos, and a research brief. The 10 on-demand webinars on the Digital Bookshelf are among Savvas Learning Company's most popular sessions, featuring renowned literacy authors, researchers, and professors exploring the latest research and strategies for the Science of Reading. These webinars, which have already been viewed more than 25,000 times by educators around the world, are, for the first time, available all in one place for educators. Webinar presenters include Donald Bear, Ph.D., Elfrieda "Freddy" Hiebert, Ph.D., Young-Suk Kim, Ed.D., Ernest Morrell, Ph.D., Alfred Tatum, Ph.D., Sharon Vaughn, Ph.D., and Lee Wright, Ed.D., covering a variety of topics such as "Strengthening Phonics and Vocabulary with Word Study," "The Science of Reading in Action: Misunderstandings of the Science of Reading," and "The Science of Writing: Foundational Skills and Evidence-Based Instruction." "Savvas is committed to supporting educators with the most effective Science of Reading strategies for teaching children how to read," said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. "By offering this rich library of Science of Reading resources — all in one place — we are helping teachers foster their own continuous professional growth over the summer months and beyond." ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANYAt Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry's most innovative portfolio of college and career readiness solutions — all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit Savvas Learning Company. Savvas Learning Company's products are also available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary, Rubicon. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Savvas Learning Company Error while retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data Error while retrieving data
The Hindu
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
A new chapter for OMR couple
A small library near her house in Thrissur was Sudha Gopalakrishnan's steadfast companion during the years she was in school. Though the library offered limited books, it is here she got introduced to Enid Blyton's Famous Five. Since then books have also served her creative pursuits as a web designer to face the corporate world more confidently. In December 2019, in collaboration with her husband H. Venkataraman, they launched an online lending library, Bookshelf, converting a room in their house in Thoraipakkam to stock a humble collection of children's books. But things did not go as planned. Their entrepreneurial dreams received a big blow with COVID-19. 'In three months we had to take a pause as social distancing became the norm and some of our members feared placing a request for books,' recalls Sudha. With the pandemic showing no signs of letting up, Bookshelf went into a long hibernation, the couple had to be content just focussing on their respective corporate jobs. Later, in January 2025, they officially relaunched Bookshelf. In the model, one places an order and the books are delivered at their doorsteps. 'We were clear from the beginning that we will be hyperlocal but cover as many readers as we can. Currently, we cater to areas on OMR, starting from Perungudi to Kelambakkam,' says Sudha, a freelance web designer. The couple say their research showed that many libraries folded up due to infrastructure cost, so instead of investing in a physical space their flat in Bhaggyam Urbanville in Thoraipakkam doubles as library. Two-day OMR Storytelling Festival The Bookshelf, an online library for children, is organising 'OMR Storytelling Festival 2025' on May 17 and 18 at Kriyates, Thoraipakkam from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. On May 18, storytellers Pretigaya Haran, and Alvin and Kishore will engage participants with their themes 'Around the World in 60 minutes, A Playful World of Kid Powered Theatre' and 'Musical Storytelling, Where Words Meet Music' respectively. Registration is a must. Residents of OMR can avail special free passes. For details, visit Or call 8056073602 It currently stocks more than 2,000 books for children up to the age of 12 years. 'We have books by Indian authors and publishers, multi-language books and those apt for children,' says Sudha that their teenage daughter feeds them with inputs. Venkat, who is a finance consultant, contributes his mite by helping with marketing and promotions. Bookshelf has not come up with any rigid rules on returning books as their primary objective is to get children to pick them up first. They will soon be trying out a new concept: a mini-library heading to an apartment or gated community. 'This will be like a travelling library, where we bring books, storytellers and do activities for two to three hours. Depending on the interest from the community, the frequency of the visits will be increased,' says Sudha. Bookshelf currently has 60 members and is counting. 'It is a slow journey and we are not looking at it as a profitable business, just the satisfaction of seeing families take to reading. Sustaining initiatives such as this will keep us motivated and energised,' says Sudha, grateful to the encouragement they have been getting from the Federation of OMR Residents Associations (FOMRRA). Their request to gated communities is to not be indifferent to ventures that are trying to keep the reading habit alive in this digital age. Bookshelf is organising its first event 'OMR Storytelling Festival' where the sessions feature elements of music, crafts-making, dance and drama. For details, visit
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barnes & Noble Education Announces Surge in New Campus Store Partnerships
Over 20 new institutions across a mix of two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities turn to Barnes & Noble College for innovative, customer-focused solutions BASKING RIDGE, N.J., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED), a leading solutions provider for the education industry, today announced a wave of new campus store partnerships with colleges and universities across the country. These institutions, representing a diverse mix of two- and four-year public and private schools, have selected Barnes & Noble College (BNC) to operate their campus stores ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year, with over 20 campus stores scheduled to open from February through August this year. This total is more than double the number added during the same period in each of the prior two years. This momentum highlights the growing demand for BNC's innovative, customer-focused approach as colleges and universities seek trusted partners that can support improved access, affordability, and the omnichannel retail experience. The Barnes & Noble College Difference BNC is redefining the collegiate retail experience through a powerful partnership model that helps institutions ignite change and reach new levels of success. Backed by the financial strength of BNED, we deliver unmatched support for academic excellence while offering unique capabilities to enhance each institution's brand and reputation. Our uncompromised, community-focused service model ensures schools receive personalized support, on-campus expertise, and a consistent partner committed to their success. From tech-enabled course material delivery to dynamic retail experiences, BNC fosters innovation, elevates the campus experience, and drives sustainable growth. BNC's unique and differentiated capabilities enable us to deliver more relevant and customized support to our partners through: Unmatched Access to Affordable Course Materials - the industry's largest selection of print and digital formats, delivered seamlessly through traditional and affordable access models. Unmatched Omnichannel Retail Experiences - innovative store design, curated merchandise, exclusive school-branded collections and collaborations, and an elevated online experience. Innovative Technology - designed to support both students and faculty throughout the academic journey, including seamless course material delivery, Bookshelf e-reader, CoachMe study tool, faculty Adoption & Insights portal (AIP), and more. Best-in-Class Service Model - featuring dedicated on-campus management and tailored campus engagement strategies and service, as well as local decision-making. 'Our highly differentiated solutions are delivering real value to institutions nationwide,' said Jonathan Shar, Chief Executive Officer, Barnes & Noble Education. 'From affordability and access to deeper engagement and measurable outcomes, we're delivering results that matter to schools, students, alumni, fans, and faculty. We're proud to welcome these new partners and look forward to helping them elevate the customer experience and achieve their highest priority goals.' New Partnerships Across a Broad Mix of Institutions The mix of two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities spans 17 states and includes both former self-operated stores and those transitioning from other vendors — all choosing BNC for its proven ability to deliver innovation and operational excellence. Notable new partners include Villanova University, Georgia Southern University, Oral Roberts University, the Colorado Community College System, UNC Pembroke, Xavier University, the University of Denver, and more. More than half of the new institutions will launch First Day® Complete, BNC's rapidly growing, industry-leading affordable access program, beginning Fall Term 2025. ABOUT BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) is a leading solutions provider for the education industry, driving affordability, access, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide and ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Through its family of brands, BNED offers campus retail services and academic solutions, wholesale capabilities, and more. BNED is a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, supporting students, faculty, and institutions as they make tomorrow a better and smarter world. For more information about Barnes & Noble Education, visit more information about Barnes & Noble College, visit Media Contact:Judith BuckinghamCorporate CommunicationsBarnes & Noble Educationjbuckingham@ in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Barnes & Noble Education Announces Surge in New Campus Store Partnerships
Over 20 new institutions across a mix of two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities turn to Barnes & Noble College for innovative, customer-focused solutions BASKING RIDGE, N.J., May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Barnes & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED), a leading solutions provider for the education industry, today announced a wave of new campus store partnerships with colleges and universities across the country. These institutions, representing a diverse mix of two- and four-year public and private schools, have selected Barnes & Noble College (BNC) to operate their campus stores ahead of the 2025–2026 academic year, with over 20 campus stores scheduled to open from February through August this year. This total is more than double the number added during the same period in each of the prior two years. This momentum highlights the growing demand for BNC's innovative, customer-focused approach as colleges and universities seek trusted partners that can support improved access, affordability, and the omnichannel retail experience. The Barnes & Noble College Difference BNC is redefining the collegiate retail experience through a powerful partnership model that helps institutions ignite change and reach new levels of success. Backed by the financial strength of BNED, we deliver unmatched support for academic excellence while offering unique capabilities to enhance each institution's brand and reputation. Our uncompromised, community-focused service model ensures schools receive personalized support, on-campus expertise, and a consistent partner committed to their success. From tech-enabled course material delivery to dynamic retail experiences, BNC fosters innovation, elevates the campus experience, and drives sustainable growth. BNC's unique and differentiated capabilities enable us to deliver more relevant and customized support to our partners through: Unmatched Access to Affordable Course Materials - the industry's largest selection of print and digital formats, delivered seamlessly through traditional and affordable access models. Unmatched Omnichannel Retail Experiences - innovative store design, curated merchandise, exclusive school-branded collections and collaborations, and an elevated online experience. Innovative Technology - designed to support both students and faculty throughout the academic journey, including seamless course material delivery, Bookshelf e-reader, CoachMe study tool, faculty Adoption & Insights portal (AIP), and more. Best-in-Class Service Model - featuring dedicated on-campus management and tailored campus engagement strategies and service, as well as local decision-making. 'Our highly differentiated solutions are delivering real value to institutions nationwide,' said Jonathan Shar, Chief Executive Officer, Barnes & Noble Education. 'From affordability and access to deeper engagement and measurable outcomes, we're delivering results that matter to schools, students, alumni, fans, and faculty. We're proud to welcome these new partners and look forward to helping them elevate the customer experience and achieve their highest priority goals.' New Partnerships Across a Broad Mix of Institutions The mix of two- and four-year public and private colleges and universities spans 17 states and includes both former self-operated stores and those transitioning from other vendors — all choosing BNC for its proven ability to deliver innovation and operational excellence. Notable new partners include Villanova University, Georgia Southern University, Oral Roberts University, the Colorado Community College System, UNC Pembroke, Xavier University, the University of Denver, and more. More than half of the new institutions will launch First Day® Complete, BNC's rapidly growing, industry-leading affordable access program, beginning Fall Term 2025. ABOUT BARNES & NOBLE EDUCATION, & Noble Education, Inc. (NYSE: BNED) is a leading solutions provider for the education industry, driving affordability, access, and achievement at hundreds of academic institutions nationwide and ensuring millions of students are equipped for success in the classroom and beyond. Through its family of brands, BNED offers campus retail services and academic solutions, wholesale capabilities, and more. BNED is a company serving all who work to elevate their lives through education, supporting students, faculty, and institutions as they make tomorrow a better and smarter world. For more information about Barnes & Noble Education, visit more information about Barnes & Noble College, visit Media Contact:Judith BuckinghamCorporate CommunicationsBarnes & Noble Educationjbuckingham@
