Patricia Fitzgerald

Artist, Brainstormer, Connector, Designer, Event planner, Explorer, Idea generator, Parent, Project manager, Public servant

Having worked in South Dublin County Libraries for over twenty three years now, the years have flown by, probably due to the fact that I am passionate about what I do. I love books. Seeing people read, seeing their arms filled with books as they leave the library. Books that perhaps they may not have bought, but they'll borrow them to see if they like them. The easy serendipity of libraries. In my job in South Dublin Libraries, I am lucky enough to get to be creative and to organise many events including our Red Line Book Festival which happens each October. Each day is different, and different is always interesting. I have a wealth of experience working with events, information and design. Having qualified with a double first class honours BSocSci in Information Studies, Philosophy & Sociology from UCD in 2001, I have worked in the marketing & events section in South Dublin Libraries for many years, I have gained huge experience with event management, information systems, social media, information management and design. I am creative, self driven, an early adaptor when it comes to all things online. I enjoy what I do and seeing projects come together to a successful conclusion. My experience cuts across the design and new media worlds, including experience of web publishing, creating and maintaining many social media platforms, project managing innovative library initiatives and developing appropriate strategies navigating Web 2 digital space. Overall I am self-motivated and inventive, an analytical thinker with the proven ability to mould and manipulate ideas into workable, worthwhile projects.

Drawing Mandalas! The word 'Mandala' comes from Sanskrit for 'circle', & represent our connectedness to each other, nature & the universe. It is an open-eyed meditation in which all worries fade away.

event management, Librarianship, social media, web design

I have been on the team organising TEDxTallaght for the past four years, and have enjoyed working on it so very much. The enthusiasm of all involved is so infectious. An air of positivity enters the room and the energy is passed from person to person. From the speakers to the organisers to the tech to the venue and finally onto the audience. It is a wonderful thing to be a part of. Our goal is to bring together inspiring people to create a positive dynamic energy in our county. Tallaght has been perceived in a negative light by the media in the past. It is a large urban conurbation, with a population of over 70,000 in the immediate area and 250,000 in the South Dublin County. When we organised the first TEDxTallaght, we had one tweeter who said "I can't believe I am seeing TEDx and Tallaght in the same sentence." It is a wonderfully positive story for Tallaght and the South Dublin area in general. It brings a dynamism and a feeling of being part of something bigger.

I like to write...short stories and there's a longer one lurking at the back of my computer....I've never shown anyone anything I've written.....yet! I don't know if it's good!