Kildare Libraries want you to Get Lost … in a Good Book

 ‘Ireland Reads’ celebration of reading back for 2024
Fireside Chat with 2023 Booker Prize Winning Author, Paul Lynch

Libraries throughout Kildare are taking part in Ireland Reads, the campaign to get the whole country reading ahead of National Day of Reading on Saturday, February 24^th. The campaign 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. Kildare Libraries is asking everyone to ‘Get Lost in a Good Book’ during February

Kildare County Council’s Library Service has lots of Ireland Reads events to celebrate reading, books and literature planned throughout Kildare.   Amongst them is an event with of the 2023 Booker Prize winner, author Paul Lynch.  On Thursday, 22^nd February at 7pm in Naas Library and Cultural Centre, we will welcome Paul Lynch, who won the the 2023 Booker Prize for his novel, Prophet Song for a conversation with journalist and bestselling author, Eithne Shortall.

Kildare County Council Library Service is hosting the event in partnership with the Irish Writers Centre.  Entry is free and no booking is required.

Other events taking place throughout the month to celebrate reading, books and literature include the following:

Saturday, 24^th February

10am – Celbridge Community Library

Ireland Reads Saturday Morning Storytime. Suitable for ages 2+. All welcome. No booking required.

11am – Celbridge Community Library

Write Your First Detective Story with author Fiona Sherlock. Suitable for children aged 9+. Book here for Write Your First Detective Story with author Fiona Sherlock

11am-12pm – Newbridge Community Library

Designing Your Own Characters with Margaret Suggs. Suitable for 7-10 years. Book Here for Designing Your Own Characters with Margaret Suggs

11:30am-12:30pm – Athy Community Library

Ireland Reads Event with Gerry Daly Author of It’s Too Dark Puffling. Suitable for ages 6+. To book your place, please contact Athy Library on 045-980555 or email: athylib@kildarecoco.ie

12pm-1pm – Maynooth Community Library

Mr. Wolf Storytime and Art for Ireland Reads with Author Tatyana Feeney. Suitable for ages 4-8. Book here for Mr. Wolf Storytime and Art

2pm-3pm – Leixlip Community Library

Writing and Illustration Workshop with Children’s Author Helena Duggan. Suitable for ages 8-12. Book here for Writing and Illustration Workshop with Helena Duggan

Urging everyone in Kildare to get involved in Ireland Reads, Acting County Librarian, Gillian Allen 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 relax you, it can teach you, it can take you to places you’ve never been and introduce you to people you’ve never met.”

“Kildare Libraries hope 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 give it a try.”