Book battle is on

NORTHSIDE children are being encouraged to get reading following the launch of an exciting page-turning competition.

Fingal County Council launched Battle of the Book 2019  in the Chapel at Swords Castle recently.

This is a reading Programme which is running from October 2019 until March 2020 between Fingal Libraries and primary schools in the Fingal area. 

Dublin Airport is very kindly supporting the initiative.

The programme is designed to encourage children to read, gain confidence and to discuss a common book, providing a shared experience of reading which will encourage reading for life.

Speaking about the programme, Mayor of Fingal Cllr Eoghan O’Brien said the initiative is a great way to encourage children not only to read but to interact with one another to discuss the book’s themes and hear each other’s insights.

"I am delighted to see it return this year,” he said.

This year the featured book is 'World War 1 – When the Lights Went Out in Europe' by local author Rod Smith and published by Poolbeg Press. Both Rod and Paula, from Poolbeg, were on hand to help launch the programme and present signed copies of the book to students Finn Morrissey and Chelsea Camerino from St Marnock's National School.

This year the schools involved will be Mary Queen of Ireland National School, St Helen’s National School, Portmarnock, St Laurence’s National School, Baldoyle, St Marnock’s NS, Portmarnock and St Margaret’s NS. 

The children will be participating in different activities organised by Fingal Libraries surrounding the themes presented in the book.

The programme will culminate in a 'Battle' to be held early in 2020 in the Riasc Centre.