The Lord Mayor of Dublin Hazel Chu has today launched ‘Join Up, Join In’, an initiative to invite 4th class children across the city to join their local library.

Over the next few weeks every 4th class child in every school in Dublin city will receive a library bag, a book, a special brochure and a membership form.

“It’s so important to get our children enjoying reading from an early age and libraries are such a great resource,” said the Lord Mayor. “If you develop a love of books when you’re a child it’s something that stays with you for your entire life. Reading can do wonders for your imagination and of course for your education. I love reading books with my daughter Alex. She’s only 3 years old but it’s a great way to do some Mother-Daughter bonding!”

In total 6,604 bags will be delivered to 186 4th classes across the city.

In 2019 former Lord Mayor Paul McAuliffe initiated a project to encourage children to join their library. The project was ready to kick off when Covid-19 interrupted but is now back on track with Lord Mayor Hazel Chu.

The libraries section of Dublin City Council chose 4th class pupils as the best group to start with. At ages 9 and 10 children begin to make personal choices in what they want to read, and it is a wonderful age to develop personal interests and stretch the imagination.

“I am very proud to support the Lord Mayor’s Initiative by inviting all 4th class children in Dublin City join their local library,” said City Librarian Mairead Owens. “Our branch libraries provide fun spaces to enjoy, imagine and explore. In the normal run of things, libraries welcome all children to explore the wonders of the imagination and creativity. Children can still join online and enjoy eBooks, comics, story times and activities. So I encourage all the 4th classes of 2020 to join now at Dublin City Libraries. We look forward to welcoming all children back to the libraries when advised by Government”

The English book chosen is ‘Boot’ by Shane Hegarty, the first in a series of big adventures for a small robot. Boot’s fast and funny adventures are brought to life by wonderful illustrations by Ben Mantle.

For Gaelscoilleanna we have ‘An Eala Ógra agus scéalta eile ón India’: Stories from India retold by Gabriel Rosenstock and complemented by Brian Fitzgerald’s fantastic illustrations.

Comments