Mayo Library Read-y for Ireland Reads Day

Ireland Reads Day will take place on Saturday, February 24. The day brings celebrations of all things books, reading, writers and writing. 

Mayo Library named February as one of their ‘favourite months’, because of Ireland Reads.

Ireland Reads celebrates all the stuff the library loves all year round, but even more during the month of February, when they ‘encourage you all to get lost … in a book’.

To celebrate the big day, there will be story time sessions in Castlebar and Ballina libraries.

Additionally, Jay Ryan will bring his Super Silly Stories to Westport, Swinford and Charlestown libraries for your entertainment. 

There will be a coffee van in Castlebar Library on the morning of Ireland Reads Day, with your event ticket including a get your ticket for a complimentary drink. 

One of many events taking place on the day

If it’s treats you’re after, join local writers Kate Kerrigan, Faith Hogan, Carmel McMahon and Margaret Molloy for Afternoon Tea and a chat about their lives, their books, and their love of reading in Ballina Library at 2.30pm that afternoon.

Finally, to finish off the day of celebrations, Castlebar Library will have a Pop-Up Book Club with acclaimed Mayo author Mike McCormack. The Louisburgh man (currently on loan to Galway) will be chatting about his new book, ‘This Plague of Souls’.

County Librarian Austin Vaughan said he is ‘really looking forward to celebrating Ireland Reads Day’ on Saturday.

“Whatever part of the county you are in, we’d love to invite you to your nearest library and enjoy it with us. We’re delighted to have so many authors joining us on the day – proof positive of the great literary heritage here in Mayo” he said.

Whether you have been in a reading slump, or you have finished all the books in that series you’ve been loving, Mayo Library encourages you to head to your local library and kickstart your interest.

Alternatively, for those who just don’t have time to read, but you love a walk in the evening, or time in the garden at the weekends, Mayo Library has a magic app ‘BorrowBox’ that will deliver audiobooks straight to your phone – you might never sit down again! 

For information on ‘BorrowBox’, or to prompt your reading habits, head to your local library.

We've got a very special afternoon coming your way in celebration of #IrelandReads - our national month-long celebration of books and reading and libraries - taking place on Ireland Reads Day, Saturday, February 24. pic.twitter.com/6TSyTsi9od

— Mayo Library ❤️ (@MayoLibrary) February 8, 2024