Libraries throughout Donegal are taking part in the ‘Ireland Reads’ campaign.
The initiative is aimed at getting the whole country reading this month in the lead up to a national day of reading on Saturday, February 25th.
Irish libraries have teamed up with publishers, booksellers, authors, and others for the campaign, which 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. The organisers are asking everyone to ‘squeeze in a read’ on Ireland Reads Day.
The pledge to read can be made at www.irelandreads.ie where you can also see how much time has been pledged by the Irish public so far, and sign up for reading reminders.
The website also offers book recommendations suited to a person’s interests and the time they have available. There are more than 1,500 recommendations from librarians all around the country for all interests and reading levels.
A website user can simply enter their favourite type of book and how long they would like to read each day. The website will offer the perfect book suggestion and work out how long it will take to complete – so you can set yourself a challenge if you’re finding it hard to get back to reading.
Events campaign partners and libraries all over the country will be running ‘Ireland Reads’ initiatives and events throughout February in the build up to Saturday, February 25th.
Events in Donegal include:
Healthy Body – Healthy Mind Poetry Competition in conjunction with Donegal GAA Health and Wellbeing Committee
Open to Primary School students in Donegal. Write a short poem on the importance of a Healthy Body and a Healthy Mind for the chance to win a Donegal Jersey and Match Tickets! Keep an eye on Donegal County Library Social Media.
Anthony Molloy Book Event at Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth Dobhair Wednesday 22nd February
Join us at 6:30pm in Leabharlann Phobail Ghaoth Dobhair to hear Donegal’s first All-Ireland winning captain be interviewed in Irish by Conor Ó Gallachóir about his new book.
Donegal Sports Legends Video with Donegal ETB
A host of sports stars from Donegal have made a special video to promote reading for Ireland Reads and especially the NALA Legends book which is available from all libraries. Keep an eye on Donegal County Library Social Media.
Free Family Literacy Bags with Donegal ETB – 24th/25th February
Pick up a free family literacy bag created by Donegal ETB from Gaoth Dobhair and Twin Towns Libraries on Friday 24th February and from Central, Bundoran and Buncrana Libraries on Saturday 25th February. Limited availability so you will have to be quick!
Comórtas Grianghrafadóireachta le Teanga Tí – Caught Reading Competition with Teanga Tí
Send in a picture of a young person reading an Irish language book (which hides their face) for a chance to win a prize. Keep an eye on Donegal County Library Social Media.
Read DL
Donegal’s own countywide celebration of books and reading – Read DL – will be launched on 21st February. Keep an eye on Donegal County Library Social Media for a host of events in libraries around the county.
Recommended Reads
Find out what books Donegal County Library staff recommend for Ireland Reads. Keep an eye on Donegal County Library Social Media.
Arts and Crafts
Keep an eye on Donegal County Library Social Media for opportunities to design your own sports jersey or book bag in different libraries across the county.
A number of well-known campaign ambassadors are on board to help promote the campaign, including Marian Keyes, Joe Duffy, Colm Tóibín, Rick O’Shea, Liz Nugent and more. You can find out what reading means to them and why they support the campaign at www.irelandreads.ie.
Find out about all that’s happening for Ireland Reads, get book recommendations and take the pledge to read on Saturday, February 25th at www.irelandreads.ie.
Visit www.donegallibrary.ie or follow @DonegalCountyLibrary on Facebook, @DonegalLibrary on Twitter and @DonegalLibrary on Instagram for more information on library events in the county.
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