Take time out and enjoy a good read

On Saturday, February 24, the people of Ireland are encouraged to take time out of their busy lives to ‘Get Lost in a Good Book’ and drop into their local library for Ireland Reads Day.

Libraries across the country are hosting a range of exciting and interactive events for all ages leading up to the day and on the day itself. A listing of events and further information about Ireland Reads is available at www.irelandreads.ie. Ireland Reads is an initiative of the Government of Ireland to celebrate the joy of reading. It is funded by Healthy Ireland and supported by public libraries and many organisations that promote reading, literacy and the arts.

Ireland Reads Day ambassador, 2023 Booker Prize winner Paul Lynch, says of the occasion: “We live in a time when reading has become more difficult than ever. Our attention spans have been shattered by life in a modern world and sometimes it seems we do not know ourselves anymore. What are we to do? We can win back our attention by reading more books. Find a nice chair and turn your phone off. Push through the urge to distraction and remember that what you practice grows stronger. In the tumult of modern life, we need again to be still and listen. Let reading be your compass.”