Children’s reading campaign launched

DUBLIN City Council’s Library Service has launched a campaign to encourage children to read for pleasure.  

The Citywide Reading Campaign for Children is run by Dublin UNESCO City of Literature and Dublin City Council Public Libraries, in partnership with Mercier Press. It will run from January to March. 

The Book of Learning by E.R. Murray has been chosen as the book for this year’s campaign. 

It is a story of mystery and adventure, which will appeal to both girls and boys of nine years and older. 

There will be author visits to public libraries as well as city-centre based events to promote the campaign. For more details, visit  www.dublincityofliterature.ie. 

Lord Mayor of Dubliin Críona Ní Dhálaigh said: “I encourage children and their parents all across the city to explore the magic and mystery of Dublin through ‘The Book of Learning’ and to visit their local Dublin City library to find out more about the fun events taking place.

E.R. Murray said: “I’m delighted ‘The Book of Learning’ has been chosen for this year’s Citywide Reading campaign, especially since Dublin is so central to the story.

“I wanted to capture the city’s essence in an adventure story that was both magical and mysterious – so get ready for wildcats, enchanted books, underground lairs, and shark submarines! 

“I can’t wait to meet lots of young readers at events over the next few months – after all, it’s the readers that bring stories to life and make writing so worthwhile.”

The project is funded by Dublin City Council’s Library Service and the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht.