The biggest celebration of books and reading for children in Ireland is underway in libraries across the country with free, fun events planned for all the family.
The Children’s Book Festival is taking place throughout the month of October in all library services throughout the country.
The festival will give children of all ages the chance to meet their favourite Irish writers and talk to them about their books and the characters in the stories.
The annual festival encourages the enjoyment of books and reading among children and families, and provides a programme of free, fun events and activities with hundreds of Irish children’s authors, poets and illustrators involved this year.
Mary Stuart, Head of Libraries Development, LGMA, noted, “With the school term well underway, the Children’s Book Festival provides an ideal opportunity for children and families to engage in reading as a fun activity. Reading for leisure not only enhances educational outcomes, but also strongly supports the development of children’s confidence, self-esteem and wellbeing.”
This year, the public libraries are collaborating with Children’s Books Ireland for the national Children’s Book Festival.
Elaina Ryan, Director of Children’s Books Ireland said, “Children’s Books Ireland is delighted to support Children’s Book Festival, which coincides with our own #ShareAStory campaign, encouraging grandparents and grandchildren to share stories together. The eye-catching illustrations for both campaigns, created by Lauren O’Neill, show this intergenerational relationship with stories beautifully.”
The festival provides the whole family with an opportunity to explore the full range of children’s library services, including story time sessions, book clubs, children’s events, access to talking books and games, workshops, computers and internet access, and of course children’s books for all ages.
Details of events in your area are available from your local library. Contacts for all public libraries are available here