Michelle McGoldrick (41), who lives in Belmayne, got involved in the ‘Communiversity’ programme at her local library, where people can attend higher education courses.
Ms McGoldrick is currently entering her final year of an undergraduate degree in Social Science and Policy at Maynooth University.
“Communiversity at Coolock Library opened my eyes to the future in terms of getting a university degree,” she said.
The initiative is discussion-led and allows adults to complete a free pre-university course at their local library without the need for exams or projects. For Ms McGoldrick, it was a “huge step” in going to university.
It is run at public libraries by Dublin City Council, NUI Maynooth, and locally based development companies – in Ms McGoldrick’s case, The Northside Partnership.
The initiative is available in public libraries across Dublin and in Kildare, Louth, and Monaghan.
A committed local activist and now chair of the Belmayne Community Group, Ms McGoldrick says her learnings, combined with renewed self-confidence, benefit her entire community.
The former childcare worker’s life was impacted by two road accidents in 2018. In 2021, she knew she had to make a fresh start through education.
“I thought Communiversity at Coolock Library would be a great next step for me to explore my options,” Ms McGoldrick said.
“It got me really thinking about returning to third level. I needed to do something different with my life.
“It was a huge step for me to think about going to Maynooth. But Communiversity convinced me it was the right thing to do.
“We got to visit the campus. It was really exciting. I was really looking forward to going to university. I came to know the huge level of support out there for adults who want to go back to education.
“I was lucky to receive a 1916 Bursary, which is awarded to students from communities under-represented in higher education. Community education has played a really important role in my adult life.
“The concept meets people where they are and offers support, encouragement, and empowerment in a way you might not even realise at the time,” she added.
Ms McGoldrick now hopes to progress into a career involving community development, and she has become chair of the Belmayne Community Group.
Going to Maynooth to pursue a degree was one of the “best decisions” she ever made.
Dr Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development for the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA), said Irish libraries bring localities together.
“Libraries are connectors in the community. The local librarian will know the groups working with learning, skills, job seekers, and those with special needs, and will be able to tell you who to talk to,” he said.
According to Dr Derek Barker, Co-ordinator of Continuing Education Programmes at Maynooth University, Communiversity is about showing adults that a third-level experience will not mirror their school days.
“Communiversity is very much about engagement, connecting people with higher education without them ever having to come on campus until they are ready,” he said.
