Limerick City and County Council is inviting children to become a Summer Star by taking 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 enthralled audience of 5th class pupils from Gaelscoil Ó Doghair, Caisleán Nua Thiar. 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, the excellent Raic sa Teach.
The Summer Stars Reading Adventure will run throughout the summer in public libraries all over Ireland. All participants will receive a special Summer Stars reading card to record and track their progress as they go. There will be rewards and incentives 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. The books can then be borrowed from your local library. And don’t forget that it’s all free!
You can also follow Summers Stars on Twitter @StarsReading | #SummerStars19 and on Facebook and Instagram at 'Summer Stars at your Library'.
To join in the fun and become a Summer Star, register at your local library this summer. Click here for details of your local branch.