Libraries throughout South Dublin County are taking part in Ireland Reads a campaign to get the whole country reading this month in the lead up to a National Day of Reading on Saturday, February 24th. Irish libraries have teamed up with publishers, booksellers, authors, and others for the campaign, which is part of the government’s Healthy Ireland programme and aims to celebrate reading and all the benefits it can have for wellbeing and enjoyment. The campaign is asking everyone to ‘Get Lost in a Good Book’ during February and especially on Ireland Reads Day, Saturday, February 24.
Events for all ages to celebrate reading, books and literature are planned throughout the county. Bookstagram Live takes place at Lucan Library on Thursday 22 February at 7pm! Join book champions and Bookstagram icons Sinéad Cuddihy (Tired Mammy Book Club) and Chloe Cowman (Nurse Fancy Pants) for lively book chat and recommendations galore! At North Clondalkin Library, join the Family Poetry treasure hunt with Juliette Saumande on Saturday 24th February from 1pm -3pm, all welcome! Follow the trail of clues, answer the questions, and help create a big poem with other treasure hunters!
At Ballyroan Library, there’s more family fun with storyteller Roisín Murphy who will be telling some Revolting Rhymes at 1:30pm on Saturday 24th. All welcome! On Thursday 22nd February Clondalkin Library are hosting a very special event with author and editor Emily Hourican. Emily will share insights into her life as a writer, a mother and the real-life historical events that have inspired her books. Her best-selling novels including her most recent An Invitation to the Kennedy’s inspired by the life of Kathleen ‘Kick’ Kennedy. Book here.
At Tallaght Library on 24th February we are launching the brand new reading campaign for adults, D24 Reads. The aim of the challenge is to read 24 books in 2024. There will be lots of prizes, incentives, and events along the way. Join us and make 2024 your most bookish yet! Join us for the launch at 11:00am where the Mayor, Cllr. Alan Edge will be in attendance, and refreshments will be provided. All welcome!
A number of well-known campaign ambassadors are on board to help promote the campaign, including Booker Prize winner, Paul Lynch, Marian Keyes, Colm Tóibín, Rick O’Shea, Liz Nugent and more. You can find out what reading means to them and why they support the campaign at www.irelandreads.ie. Find out about all that’s happening for Ireland Reads or to get or share book recommendations at www.irelandreads.ie.
Pictured Emily Hourican
