Children's Book Festival Launched in Clare

PRLog (Press Release) – Oct 01, 2007 – Clare County Library has organised a fun-filled month of activities, including author visits, storytelling, children's puppet theatre, as well as history and art workshops.

Participating authors include Derek Landy, 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.

"Between 1st October and 2nd November, numerous authors and illustrators will attend weekday events in Clare's fifteen library branches, all of which are free of charge, sparking off new interest in books and creative writing", added Ms. Fitzgerald.

Among the childrens authors taking part in the Childrens Book Festival is Derek Landy, who has been hailed as the next JK Rowling for Skulduggery Pleasant, his critically acclaimed childrens 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.

Clares 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 bi-lingual and interactive reading/writing workshops in library branches.  Cork-novelist Judi Curtin will perform readings from the adventures of 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 Irelands wildlife.  

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 Librarys 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.

For full details on childrens 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 is available on request.  To arrange 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)