Author Dave Rudden is behind this year’s Ireland Reads campaign

Cavan people are being urged to ‘get lost in a good book’ this Saturday, February 22, as Ireland Reads Day comes to libraries nationwide.

Events for all ages to celebrate reading, books, and literature are planned, from author visits to family storytimes, reading nooks to Borrowbox demonstrations. There is something for everyone to enjoy in their local library on the day.

Johnston Central Library will be hosting a visit from acclaimed Westmeath-based crime writer, Lorraine Murphy, on Saturday at 3pm, when a new crime book club will be launched.

Virginia Library is encouraging readers to discover their next favourite author by browsing the ‘Readers Rule’ display of favourite reads recommended by their borrowers.

They will also host a Reading Nook from 2–5pm, encouraging readers to pop in and enjoy books together with some tea and treats.

Cootehill Library will have a special Folklore Storytime event at 2:30pm with visitors encouraged to dress up in their finest costumes.

Bailieborough Library is inviting the public to drop in for tea or coffee to find out all about the library and its services before hosting storytime at 2:30pm and a Bookmark Workshop at 3pm.

Ireland Reads is a great way to rediscover Cavan libraries and all the services they have to offer, according to Stuart Hamilton who is the Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA).

“Some may be pleasantly surprised to learn that library fees were abolished in January 2019 and all previous fines were removed,” he said.

“This means that you can return to your library with a clean slate – even if you forgot to return that last book. Libraries have hundreds of books and reading resources across people’s interests to bring great pleasure to people in today’s busy world”.

Getting behind Ireland Reads is Cavan author, Dave Rudden, who says "any reading is good reading".

Magic

“The magic of being transported to other worlds and other times is one thing, but what I find far more important is that very particular teleportation of stepping into other people’s heads," he said.

"Reading reminds you that we all have our own plotlines, our own battles, our own triumphs, our own losses. I think there’s no lesson more important than that.”

Ireland Reads is an initiative of the Government of Ireland, funded by Healthy Ireland and supported by public libraries and many organisations that promote reading, literacy and the arts.

Find out about all that’s happening for Ireland Reads or to get or share book recommendations at www.irelandreads.ie or visit www.cavanlibrary.ie for more on what’s happening locally.