Ireland Reads Day got off to a great start in Ballina
Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council Cllr John O'Hara and Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary are pictured at Ballina Library for Ireland Reads Day. Picture: Alison Laredo
Ireland Reads Day, celebrated by libraries all over Ireland, got off to a great start in Ballina Library on Saturday, February 22, with the official launch of the initiative by Minister for Social Protection Dara Calleary.
Ireland Reads Day, led by Libraries Ireland, encouraged people of all ages to pick up a book during February and to embrace the joy and power of reading.
The Minister was joined by Cllr John O’Hara, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council; Director of Services Joanne Grehan and County Librarian Austin Vaughan. Jay Ryan, of RTÉ Junior’s , was on hand with his to ensure all of the children gathered for the event were able to celebrate the joy of books and reading.
As Minister Calleary observed afterwards, the library was “a hive of activity” for the occasion. The day continued in Ballina Library with a Read-Aloud event featuring people reading from their favourite book aloud and with other events in Castlebar Library.
If you didn’t manage to get to your local library for Ireland Reads Day, there’s still lots of time to pop in and rediscover the joys of Mayo Library and all they have to offer. With 14 libraries throughout the county, and more than 346,000 books loaned last year, there are also a range of other services people might not be aware of.
Did you know that you can borrow musical instruments – anything from a bodhrán to a harp and lots more besides – for your child who is starting their lessons? They’ve also got Home Energy Savings Kits to help reduce your energy bills. And blood pressure monitors you can borrow to use at home. If you’re planning the dream birthday party for someone special, forget about disposable plates and plastic cutlery – ask us about the Reusable Party Kits in Castlebar, Ballina, Achill and Belmullet library branches.
There are weekly storytime sessions in five libraries – Castlebar, Westport, Ballina, Ballyhaunis and Belmullet and book clubs in five libraries – Castlebar, Belmullet, Swinford, Ballyhaunis and Kiltimagh.
