It’s a special week at libraries in Mayo
Louisburgh author Mike McCormack will be at Castlebar Library next Saturday for Ireland Reads Day.
February is one of our favourite months of the year here in Mayo Library, as we celebrate Ireland Reads, a lovely celebration of all things books, reading, writers and writing. All the stuff we love at any time of year, of course, but even more especially during February, when we encourage you all to get lost... in a book.
The big day is Ireland Reads Day, which falls this year on Saturday, February 24. That’s when we’d encourage you to call into your local library and have a look at all we can offer. Let us help you to lose yourself in a good book.
If you’ve been in a reading slump or you’ve finished all the books in that series you’ve been loving, we can help you find something to kickstart your interest. And if you just don’t have time to read, but you love a walk in the evening or time in the garden at the weekends, we’ve got a magic app that will deliver audiobooks straight to your phone – you might never sit down again! Ask about BorrowBox in your local library, we can help you set it up for free with your library card.
If you haven’t been into a library in a while you’ll see that while books are still a big part of our business, they are not the only thing we offer. Did you know that you can borrow musical instruments – anything from a bodhrán to a harp and lots more besides – for your child who’s starting their lessons? We’ve got Home Energy Savings Kits to help reduce your energy bills. We have 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 our Reusable Party Kits.
But back to the books, and the reading, and especially Ireland Reads Day itself. We’ll have story time sessions in Castlebar and Ballina libraries, and Jay Ryan will bring his Super Silly Stories to Westport, Swinford and Charlestown libraries for your entertainment. There’ll also be a coffee van treat in Castlebar Library on Saturday morning – get your ticket for a complimentary drink when you show your library card at the desk.
And if it’s treats you’re after, you’re in for a whole series of them in Ballina Library at 2.30pm on Saturday afternoon. Join local writers Kate Kerrigan, Faith Hogan, Carmel McMahon and Margaret Molloy for Afternoon Tea and a chat about their lives, their books, and their life-long love of reading. Refreshments included – yes, we did mean treats!
Finally, finishing off the day back in Castlebar Library, we have a Pop-Up Book Club with acclaimed Mayo author Mike McCormack. The Louisburgh man (currently on loan to Galway) will be chatting about his new book, . There are a limited number of copies available to borrow – contact librarymayo@mayococo.ie for details.
Says County Librarian Austin Vaughan: “We’re really looking forward to celebrating Ireland Reads Day on Saturday, and whatever part of the county you are in, we’d love to invite you into your nearest library and enjoy it with us. We’re delighted to have so many authors joining us on the day – proof positive of the great literary heritage here in Mayo.”
