A brilliant day launching Children’s Book Festival in Clifden and Inisbofin. http://www.familyfun.ie/the-childrens-book-festival/
They’re avid young readers in Clifden, spurred on by their book-loving teacher fresh from the 40th Clifden Arts festival. Then across the very choppy sea (even the captain said rough) to beautiful Inisbofin to launch the first ever One Book, One Island month, where every one of the 180 islanders is encouraged to read Wonder, that wondrous book about difference, sameness, friendship, kindness and pretty much how to live. A treat of scenery and sun, the peace of Inisbofin, and the welcome of the islanders and and the highlight – presentation by Galway County Council Cathaoirleach Eileen Mannion a medal to ten-year-old Ruby, the only islander to read all 8 books in the summer stars reading programme. http://www.librariesireland.ie/summer-stars/.
Big thanks to the wonderful Galway librarians Catherine Gallagher and Jo Vahey, Bernie in Clifden and Audrey on Inisbofin, and county archivist Patria, for a blowaway start to Children’s Book Festival.