Photo: Mark Stedman
The inaugural Irish Book Week takes place from October 27 to November 3 and is a nationwide celebration of Irish books and bookshops. A collaboration between Bookselling Ireland and Publishing Ireland, the week will see events taking place throughout the country, celebrating Irish books and the central role bookshops play in Irish society and culture.
The week aims to encourage people into their local bookshop, and to highlight the important role bookshops play in the fabric of Irish life, fostering cultural creativity, community spirit and generating economic activity. Speaking about the week, Chair of Bookselling Ireland, John Keane, said: “Ireland has such a rich literary heritage and we are delighted to place that centre stage with Irish Book Week. A visit to your local bookshop always brings something different, and we are encouraging people to check in and see what is going on in their local community.”
Ivan O’Brien, President of Publishing Ireland, added: “Irish people love to read and talk about books, and share them with family and friends. Irish Book Week reinforces the message that books and bookshops are the best place to find a story that will engross, educate and entertain.”
Children’s Book Ambassador, Sarah Fitzgerald, aged 14, along with famous author Donal Ryan, are the book ambassadors for Irish Book Week 2018.
Please contact your local bookshop to see what events are happening in your area. The ambassadors would love to see all people from all ages be part of this exciting week.
Sarah and Donal will be attending events in various locations and their will update on Sarah’s blog, Ink Stains, on writing.ie or her website on sarahsbookproject.com, encouraging children and teens to read more books.
For information on events and Irish books pop into your local bookshop.