Libraries throughout Clare 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, 24th February.
Irish libraries have teamed up with publishers, booksellers, authors and others for the campaign, which is part of the government’s Right to Read 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 on Saturday, 24th February.
Events for all ages to celebrate reading, books and literature are planned throughout the county.
Scariff Library Reading Party – bring a book of your choice and join in this book club with a difference
Tuesday, 20th February, 6:30pm, Scariff Library
The Story of Bridget: performance and film screening with storyteller Balor O’Brien
Thursday, 22nd February, 12:30pm, Killaloe Library
Thursday, 22nd February, 6:45pm, Shannon Library
About Crime: author reading and talk with crime writer M.A. Purcell
Friday, 23rd February, 12:00pm, Tulla Library
Always Judge a Book by its Cover! Draw-along cartoons with Aidan Courtney
Saturday, 24th February, 11:00am, Ennistymon Library
Saturday, 24th February, 11:00am, Ennis Library
Mindful Parenting and Story Sacks with Sonia Millar
Saturday, 24th February, 11:00am, Kilrush Library. Booking required, phone 065-9051504
Squeeze in a Read with Scariff Library Junior Book Club and the Book Monsters!
Saturday, 24th February, 11:00am, Scariff Library
The Ireland Reads website also offers book recommendations suited to a person’s interests and the time they have available. There are more than 1,500 recommendations from librarians all around the country for all interests and reading levels.
A website user can simply enter their favourite type of book and how long they would like to read each day and the website will offer the perfect book suggestion and work out how long it will take to complete – so you can set yourself a challenge if you’re finding it hard to get back to reading.
You can also recommend a book to a friend through the website.
Urging everyone in Clare to get involved in Ireland Reads, County Librarian Helen Walsh said, “Getting lost in a good book is one of the best things you can do, at any age. Reading is great for your wellbeing. A good book can bring relaxation and can even teach you, it can take you places you’ve never been and introduce you to people you’ve never met.”
Ms Walsh added, “Clare Libraries hopes to get the whole of Clare reading this month, especially those who might not be avid readers right now. If you don’t read or you haven’t read in a while, this is the perfect time to give it a try.”
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 local authors Marianne Purcell and Tracey Fahy. 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 share or get book recommendations at www.irelandreads.ie or visit www.clarelibrary.ie for more on what’s happening local to you.
