Prisoners brought to book

Prisoners at Maghaberry have reproduced in braille a trilogy of books by local author Tony Macaulay for Lisburn Library.
Tony Macaulay (second from left), is pictured at the presentation of his trilogy of books which have been reproduced in braille by prisoners in Maghaberry for Lisburn Library. Included are Margaret Mann, Hazel Flannigan and David Mann, all braille unit volunteers in Maghaberry, and Diane McCready, Lisburn Library Manager.Tony Macaulay (second from left), is pictured at the presentation of his trilogy of books which have been reproduced in braille by prisoners in Maghaberry for Lisburn Library. Included are Margaret Mann, Hazel Flannigan and David Mann, all braille unit volunteers in Maghaberry, and Diane McCready, Lisburn Library Manager.
Tony Macaulay (second from left), is pictured at the presentation of his trilogy of books which have been reproduced in braille by prisoners in Maghaberry for Lisburn Library. Included are Margaret Mann, Hazel Flannigan and David Mann, all braille unit volunteers in Maghaberry, and Diane McCready, Lisburn Library Manager.

Copies of ‘Paperboy’, ‘Breadboy’ and ‘All growed up’, which draw on the Shankill Road author’s experiences growing up in Northern Ireland, were each painstakingly translated into braille by a group of 10 prisoners.

And earlier this week, 15 volumes of the specially compiled books were presented to Tony and Lisburn Library to make available to partially sighted and blind people throughout the province.

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Mark Mooney, Instructor in the Braille unit at Maghaberry, revealed: “This is the first time we have reproduced anything by a Northern Ireland author.

“We’ve done Bibles in braille, children’s books, which we sent to Malawi, and even an Irish language text book, but this is quite a new venture.

“It took about four months to complete all three of the books. “It was a real team effort, but I know, individually, each of the guys involved got a lot out of it - an innovative rehabilitation project which allowed them all to give something back to the community.”

In his books, Author Tony Macaulay, who was raised at the top of the Shankill Road in West Belfast at the start of The Troubles, draws on his experiences growing up with stories which reflect a turbulent social history, with entertaining insights, wit and humour.

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Tony has spent the past 30 years working to build peace and reconciliation at home and abroad, working with hundreds of youth and community groups to break down barriers of mistrust, hatred and division.

Speaking at the presentation of the braille books in Maghaberry, Tony said: “I am delighted to have my books translated into braille for two main reasons.

“Firstly, it means that blind and visually impaired readers can enjoy the books.

“Secondly, I believe the Braille Unit at Maghaberry is a brilliant example of prisoners contributing positively to our community.”

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Lisburn Library manager Diane McCready added: “Libraries NI is delighted to offer partially sighted and blind people in Lisburn and beyond the opportunity to enjoy this trilogy of books by renowned Belfast author Tony Macauley.

“Tony’s books have proved very popular and by offering this range of his books in braille, we are fulfilling our commitment to make our services accessible to customers, including those who are blind or partially sighted.”

The books can be borrowed from Lisburn City Library for free and they can also be requested through any public library in Northern Ireland.