LIMERICK’S young literary stars are being invited by the City and County Council to take part in the public libraries’ Summer Stars Reading Adventure during the school holidays.
Newcastle West Library hosted a special event to mark the official launch of the popular reading challenge in all public library branches across Limerick city and county.
The launch celebrated reading for all ages as guest of honour, poet and author Gabriel Fitzmaurice, entertained an audience of 5th class pupils from Gaelscoil Ó Doghair.
Gabriel read from his poetry collections in both English and as Gaeilge and led the audience in an impromptu sing along.
He spoke passionately about the joy of reading, advising the students that “you will never be lonely if you have a book, as a good book is always a good friend.”
The children were also treated to a trio of readings from the favourite books of their classmates Sophie Ní Aodha, Abigail Ní Shíoda, and Ella Ní Challanáin and a rousing session of traditional music from the school’s grúpa cheoil, Raic sa Teach.
The Summer Stars Reading Adventure will run throughout the summer in public libraries all over Ireland. Participants will receive a reading card to record their progress. There will be rewards along the way and a certificate and medal of achievement at the end for all who complete the programme.
Everyone is invited to check out the Summer Stars website (www.summerstars.ie) which has lots of online games and activities.
There are also helpful tips for reading and lists of recommended titles for children to discover, which can then be borrowed from the local library, all free of charge.
Summers Stars can also be followed on Twitter @StarsReading #SummerStars19 and on Facebook and Instagram at Summer Stars at the Library.
