Ireland Reads: Get Lost in a good book at your local library

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 24.

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, February 24 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. All welcome.

On Thursday, February 22 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.

At Tallaght Library on February24 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 11am where the Mayor, Alan Edge will be in attendance, and refreshments will be provided.

All welcome. 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 South Dublin to get involved in Ireland Reads, County Librarian Paul Fusco 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 and South Dublin Libraries hopes we can get the whole county 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 call into your local library and pick up a book.”

Learn more on the South Dublin Libraries Facebook page.