Ireland Reads Campaign to get Cork County Reading

Ireland Reads aims to celebrate reading and all the benefits it can have for wellbeing and enjoyment and to get the whole country reading this month in the lead up to a national day of reading on Thursday, February 25th. A new website www.irelandreads.ie has been set up where people can pledge to ‘squeeze in a read’ on the day and see how much time has been pledged by the Irish public so far.

The website offers book recommendations suited to a person’s interests and the time they have available. There are more than 800 recommendations from librarians all around the country. By entering their favourite type of book and how long they would like to read each day, users of the website be offered a suitable book suggestion and advise how long it will take to complete.

Campaign partners and libraries all over the country will be running Ireland Reads initiatives and events throughout February in the build up to Thursday, February 25th.

Cork County Council Library & Arts Service will share information on their social media channels (Facebook @corkcocolibrary, Twitter @corkcolibrary) throughout the month to help and encourage people in their pledge to “squeeze in a read” and provide tips and advice on encouraging reluctant readers of all ages, alongside top picks and recommendations from Council Library book clubs, from light reads to literary reads and advice on how to cultivate your reading habit.

As part of the campaign, the Council will also provide ‘Story Times’ in Irish and English for younger children. Cork author and primary school teacher Siobhán Ní Mhuimhneacháin will talk about her book An Gadaí Dubh and the ancient folk tale which inspired it. Travel writer Manchán Magan will discuss his travels and experiences in South American, India and Africa.

Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Mary Linehan Foley welcomed the Ireland Reads initiative, particularly at a time when finding ways to Keep Well is so important;

“There really is something for everyone, whether you wish to stay informed, broaden your horizons, take a break from day to day life or deepen your understanding of your pastimes or interests. Taking part in Ireland Reads is a great way to find what works for you, and I would also encourage everyone to take advantage of Cork County Council’s online library services. By becoming a member, you can access many newspapers, books, magazines and so much more. There is no better way to switch off than by getting lost in a good book.”

It doesn’t matter how long you read for or what you read, whether you’re an avid, reluctant, lapsed or new reader, this campaign is for you, says Cork County Librarian, Emer O’Brien;

“Right now, many of the activities we used to take for granted are not available to us, but you can always enjoy a good book, newspaper or magazine. These are all available free online and any time to library members. Libraries and library staff are waiting to welcome people back whenever that’s possible, but until then we always have books to remind us of other people, other places, and better days. So, this month please pledge to take some reading time for yourself or to share with family.”