As Book Week unfolds in Northern Ireland, excitement fills the air at the Saintfield library, especially as children chase bubbles around the space. Patricia Curran, area manager from Libraries NI, observes the vibrant scene and emphasizes the importance of engaging the younger generation, saying, “The children are the future of libraries.” This week-long event, in collaboration with BBC NI and Libraries NI, has fostered a love for reading for nearly a decade.
“We really encourage children of all ages to come in,” Ms. Curran explains. “Libraries are not just about books; they also offer fun activities for kids to enjoy.”
Among those attending is Carol Murphy, who has brought her four grandchildren. “It’s a lovely atmosphere, and it’s just perfect,” she remarks, appreciating that the kids are not glued to their phones or tablets. “They’re all book readers, which is really unusual these days, so we feel very fortunate.”
Vicky Fedak, also present with her two children, echoes similar sentiments. “The library creates a sense of community for us. We attend the ‘Rhythm and Rhyme’ classes here,” she shares, highlighting the benefits of introducing children to books early on. “It’s great for their development and helps build their speaking skills.”
As the lively bubbles float through the air, Ms. Curran observes the joyful noise. She points out that while children play a central role during Book Week, the initiative is designed for all ages. “There’s something for everyone at your local library,” she states. “Whether it’s ‘Knit and Natter,’ ‘Tea and Newspapers,’ jigsaw clubs, or mindful coloring, you can come alone or with friends and know there’s a community waiting for you.”
This week’s featured book is “Long Island” by renowned Irish author Colm Tóibín. Ms. Curran expresses her enthusiasm, saying, “We found so many thought-provoking topics within this book that we believed everyone could engage with the story.”
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