Thousands Of Clare Children Expected To Participate In Children's Book Festival

Clare County Library has organised a fun-filled month of activities again this year including author visits, storytelling, children's puppet theatre, animal road shows, as well as history, science and art workshops.

Participating authors include Darren Shan, Malachy Doyle, Judi Curtin, Niamh Sharkey and Ré Ó Laighléis. Wildlife expert Eanna Ni Lamhna, Clare sculptor Dermot Twohigk, storyteller Eddie Lenihan, David Lyons of the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Irish-American storyteller Bairbre McCarthy and Michael Moylan of Irish History Live will also tour library branches around the county.

"The month of October is now synonymous with Children's Book Festival. All over Ireland, thousands of child-focused events are taking place, designed to celebrate books and reading. An overwhelming total of four thousand children attended events during last year's festival in County Clare", stated Ms. Patricia Fitzgerald, Assistant Librarian, Children’s Services, Clare County Library.

She explained, "Previous Book Festivals have shown that there is a growing interest among young people in literature. We anticipate that this year's event will again be an exciting, engaging, interactive experience for children and will stimulate their imagination, rouse their curiosity and leave them eager for more."

"Throughout October, numerous authors and illustrators will attend weekday events in Clare’s libraries, all of which are free of charge, sparking off new interest in books and creative writing", added Ms. Fitzgerald.

Among the storytellers taking part in the Children's Book Festival is Derek Landy, who has been hailed as the next JK Rowling for Skulduggery Pleasant, his critically acclaimed children's book. Landy, who grew up on comic books, computer games and martial arts, wrote horror screenplays before turning his attention to books.

Award winning artist Niamh Sharkey will host sessions in Clare library branches where she will read from her favourite books and give a step-by-step demonstration of how she has drawn her favourite characters in picture books such as The Gigantic Turnip, The Ravenous Beast and Santasaurus.

Clare's renowned storyteller Eddie Lenihan will again bring the world of myth, magic and mystery alive for the bravest of children. Novelist Ré Ó Laighléis will host a series of multi-lingual and interactive reading/writing workshops in library branches. Cork-novelist Judi Curtin will perform readings of her best selling book 'Alice and Megan'. And renowned Clare sculptor and artist, Dermot Twohigk will host a series of practical workshops, guaranteeing a relaxed hands-on experience of painting for participants.

Elsewhere, RTE presenter Eanna Ni Lamhna will be in Clare on the 22nd and 23rd October when she will meet with children in Ennis, Tulla, Shannon, Kilrush, Kilkee and Kilmihil Public Libraries to present an hour-long interactive talk and slide show on Ireland's wildlife.

Various other authors, storytellers, artists, wildlife experts, historians, magicians, natural science experts and musicians will be appearing at remaining library branches in Scariff, Newmarket-on-Fergus, Ennistymon, Lisdoonvarna, Kildysart, Corofin, Miltown Malbay, Sixmilebridge, Kilmihil and Killaloe.

Hosted events include rap and song writing workshops, art and crafts for 9-12 year olds, workshops, natural sciences workshops, history lessons, Magic of India Puppet shows and a bumper quiz for 9-12 year olds.

Clare County Library regularly hosts initiatives aimed at encouraging more children to read, including World Book Day, Children's Book Clubs and the popular Schools Service. Meanwhile, on Monday 22nd October next Eanna Ní Lamhna will present certificates of merit to all children who recently completed The Big Wild Read, Clare County Library’s Summer Reading Scheme 2007. The presentation will be held in The Civic Room, Ennis Town Council at 7.30pm. All children who returned a reading log to their local library will be individually invited to attend.

The Clare Library Service continues to renew and update its stock of children's books in all of its fifteen public libraries. Each library has a reliable and modern collection of fiction, non-fiction and reference books for children for whom membership is free. Children's fiction is divided into picture books, junior fiction for 6-9 year olds and senior fiction for 9-12 year olds. Reference, non-fiction, and Irish language books constitute the remainder of the children's stock in all branches. Members may borrow a total of four books from any library branch in the county.

According to Noel Crowley, Clare County Librarian, "The continuation of the festival is dependant to a large extent on the generous sponsorship received from local businesses. Clare County Library would like to thank all its festival supporters. A list of contributors will be posted on the library website www.clarelibrary.ie and in all library branches during the festival."

For full details on children's festival events in your area contact your local library or check www.clarelibrary.ie. Parents are advised that some events must be booked in advance. For more on Clare County Library's Children's Services log on to www.clarelibrary.ie or email mailbox@clarelibrary.ie.

-ENDS-

Note to Editor:
- Patricia Fitzgerald, Assistant Librarian, Children's Services, Clare County Library is available for interview.
- A high-resolution copy of the Children's Book Festival official poster can be downloaded from http://www.dunphypr.com. Alternatively, please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 086-8534900 or email media@dunphypr.com.

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
Clonboula,
Connolly,
Ennis,
County Clare
IRELAND
www.dunphypr.com
media@dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (Mobile)
00353-656839692 (Fax)