Improving literacy standards is a national priority under The Programme for Government. Right to Read is a national programme to promote literacy and reading development for Irish people of all ages and backgrounds.
Launched as part of the Opportunities for All national Library Strategy, Right to Read currently includes four national programmes designed to promote children’s reading and literacy;
Spring into Storytime – Storytelling sessions during the month of April
Summer Stars – Summer Reading programme
Children’s Book Festival – Events during the month of October
Family Time at Your Library – Family events during the month of December
Sligo Libraries delivered 2019 targets, as set out in the Right to Read Action Plan, for each of the 4 elements of the programme:
Successful Summer Stars reading programme ran in all branches in 2019. Increased participation from the previous year saw 2,040 children join throughout the county and borrow 26,366 juvenile items during July and August.
2,850 children attended 89 events; Storytelling, Puppet Shows, Art & Crafts events, Yoga Workshops, Movie Clubs, Coding Workshops, 3D Printer Workshops, Pottery making, Illustration & Creative Writing Workshops, Lego Technic Workshops, Treasure hunt, Interactive Board Games, Bee Keeping , Introduction to Music Workshop, and Junior ‘The Word.’
In October 2019, Sligo Libraries were presented with a Right to Read Champion Award by Minister of State Mr. Seán Canny TD at a ceremony hosted by the LGMA at Local Government House in Dublin. The Right to Read Champion Awards is presented in recognition of Library Authorities ongoing efforts to support literacy development, and the support and promotion of literacy skills through initiatives such as Spring into Storytime and Summer Stars.
