
Limerick City and County Council is inviting children to become a Summer Star by taking part in the public librariesโ 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 ร Doghair, Caisleรกn Nua Thiar.ย 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 โyou will never be lonely if you have a book, as a good book is always a good friendโ.
The children were also treated to a trio of readings from the favourite books of their classmates Sophie Nรญ Aodha, Abigail Nรญ Shรญoda, and Ella Nรญ Challanรกin and a rousing session of traditional music from the schoolโs grรบpa 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 donโt forget that itโs all free!
You can also follow Summers Stars on Twitter @StarsReading | #SummerStars19 and on Facebook and Instagram atย Summer Stars at your Library.
To join in the fun and become a Summer Star, register at your local library this summer. Check out www.limerick.ie for details of your local branch.