Dublin libraries set to celebrate Ireland Reads day

People in Dublin are being urged to ‘get lost in a good book’ on Saturday, February 22 as Ireland Reads Day comes to libraries nationwide.

Events are set to take place throughout the week, with Pearse Street’s Dublin City Library and Archive hosting Sally’s Dublin with Professor Chris Morash on Wednesday 19 at 6.30pm.

Professor Chris Morash, the Seamus Heaney Professor of Irish Writing at TCD, will be mapping Sally Rooney’s Dublin, looking at how the city is perhaps one of her most compelling characters.

In Balbriggan library, a speaking event featuring Cecelia Ahern in conversation with Sarah-Jayne Tobin will take place on Saturday 22 at 11am.

Adults are encouraged to join acclaimed novelist Cecelia Ahern as she chats to Sarah-Jayne Tobin about her latest novel Into The Storm, and her prolific body of work.

In Deansgrange Library, Celebrate Ireland Reads with Zainab Boladale, an exciting event for teens, will be taking place from 2.30pm-4pm on Saturday 22.

Teens between 13-15 years are encouraged to join author and TV Journalist Zainab Boladale for an exciting celebration of her YA debut, Braids Take A Day.

This event will feature an engaging talk, a reading from the book, and a Q&A session, plus a fun live braiding demonstration by one of Ireland’s top braiders.

And on Saturday 22, Ireland Reads at Rathcoole will see South Dublin Mobile Libraries joining the fun at Rathcoole community centre for a special Ireland reads community day.

The Mobile library will be there from 12pm-3pm for this family event, and all are encouraged to visit, join the library and enjoy the celebration.

Ireland Reads Day, led by Libraries Ireland, encourages people of all ages to pick up a book during the month of February and to embrace the joy and power of reading.

Award-winning author and Ireland Reads ambassador, Marian Keyes, feels strongly about the transformative power of reading, which she discovered as a child.

“I was an anxious, lonely child, but when I read my first Enid Blyton book, The Twins at St Clare’s, my mind was blown,” she said.

“Suddenly, I had a gateway to another world – to infinite worlds.

“I was able to escape the discomfort of being me by immersing myself in the lives of others. Since then, reading has been my saviour. The ability to read is my superpower.”

Ireland Reads is a great way to rediscover Dublin libraries and all the services they have to offer, according to Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency. (LGMA)

“Some may be pleasantly surprised to learn that library fees were abolished in January 2019 and all previous fines were removed,” he said.

“This means that you can return to your library with a clean slate – even if you forgot to return that last book.

“Libraries have hundreds of books and reading resources across people’s interests to bring great pleasure to people in today’s busy world.

“Librarians are on-hand to assist you in finding reading for your enjoyment and support you in developing a healthy habit that is reading.

“Also, people are always delighted to learn about Borrowbox – your library collection and services in one app.

“It allows you can delve into ebooks and audiobooks – as well as a selection of e-magazines and e-newspapers – free of charge.”

There is also a wide variety of eEducation options available at your fingertips through the eLibrary, including language courses.

From your first job search to a career change or support after time out of the professional world, your library can help.

Users can also access a range of services, including career advice, employment research support and tips on how to prepare for an interview or write a job application.

For reading recommendations and to see a list of events taking place in libraries in Dublin and across the country, visit www.irelandreads.ie.

Led by Libraries Ireland, the campaign is an initiative of the Government of Ireland and is part of the Healthy Ireland programme.