Ireland Reads returns for February 2022
Waterford Libraries encourages you to ‘Squeeze in a Read!’ on 25th February 2022
Following a hugely successful introduction in 2021, Ireland Reads is back for February 2022!
Libraries throughout Waterford City and County are taking part in Ireland Reads a campaign to get the whole country reading this month in the lead up to a national day of reading on Friday, February 25th.
Over the next 3 weeks, the campaign will be focused on encouraging people to visit www.irelandreads.ie to sign up and take the pledge to ‘Squeeze in a Read’ on Ireland Reads Day, Friday February 25th.
Research shows that reading for pleasure is really important for all of us – no matter our age. For children, of course, it has a huge positive impact on their cognitive development and literacy. For adults, studies have found that reading for pleasure enhances empathy, understanding of the self, and is effective in combatting loneliness.
Get Involved:
Jane Cantwell, City & County Librarian with Waterford Libraries explains how you can get involved;
“Here at Waterford Libraries, we love books and can help you pick out a book or order a book for you to borrow in any branch of Waterford Libraries. Library Membership is completely free so visit www.waterfordlibraries.ie and contact your local branch to join or renew your membership and enjoy all the books, ebooks, emagazines and all the other services. There will be lots of information on social media, radio and in your local libraries throughout the month so listen out and above all remember that the gift of reading is a gift for life”
The Ireland Reads website also offers book recommendations suited to a person’s interests and the time they have available. There are more than 1,500 recommendations from librarians all around the country.
A website user can simply enter their favourite type of book and how long they would like to read each day, and the website will offer a suitable book suggestion and work out how long it will take to complete – a couch to 5k for books! Check it out on www.librariesireland.ie/news/ireland-reads. The pledge to read can be made at www.irelandreads.ie where you can also see how much time has been pledged by the Irish public so far and sign up for reading reminders.
Borrow online
Don’t forget, Waterford Library members can borrow from 12 million items or download from thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers online. Simply visit https://waterfordlibraries.ie/library-membership/ to join or https://waterfordlibraries.ie/online-resources/ to find out more about free online services including Borrowbox for eBooks & eAudiobooks, Libby for digital magazines and PressReader for digital newspapers. You can of course also support your local bookshop!
Share Your Reading
Please use #IrelandReads or #SqueezeInARead and share your pledge to read on social media or tell others about your favourite books, recommended reads or the book that got you through Covid.
Waterford Libraries will be joining other libraries across the country and running ‘Ireland Reads’ initiatives and competitions throughout February in the build up to Ireland Reads Day on Friday, February 25th. Follow us on social media, check out the events section of our website, or visit your local branch to find out more.
Event Highlights:
- Online: On February 24th watch our Tramore Book Club discuss ‘Small Things Like These’ with the book’s author Claire Keegan and the new Laureate for Irish Fiction, Colm Tóibín as part of the Art of Reading Monthly Book club series. Available to view on February 24th from www.librariesireland.ie and www.artscouncil.ie
- Browns Road Library: Reading Bingo for Children
- Ardkeen Library: Reading Bingo for Children, Surprise Library Book Gift Bag
- Tramore Library: Reading Bingo for Children
- Central Library: Reader to Reader Book Suggestions & Displays, Recommended Reads Displays
- All libraries: Design a Bookmark Competition for Preschools/ELCs
Make the Pledge to Read and find the perfect book for you at Irelandreads.ie
Ireland Reads is a libraries initiative, in partnership with booksellers, publishers, writers, NALA and others, urging the whole country to read during February and in the run up to Ireland Reads Day on February 25th. You can make a pledge to read on the Ireland Reads website irelandreads.ie where you can also see how much time has been pledged to date, sign up for reading reminders and get a tailored book recommendation.
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