PICTURES: Tipperary school celebrates arrival of hundreds of new library books

Scoil Mhuire Caislean Nua, Newcastle, Clonmel has been announced as one of the recipients of a book-gifting programme which will bring hundreds of new books and resources to its students in 2026.

Designed by national charity and arts organisation Children’s Books Ireland, the ‘Every Child A Reader’ programme is a year-long support provided to select schools which helps to foster a love of reading in their students and wider school community.

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As part of this project, each school will have their own dedicated Champion of Reading, an author or illustrator assigned to the school who will host a series of live workshops throughout the year with students. These creative and engaging sessions will help promote a love of reading, writing and illustrating amongst class groups.

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The school is incredibly fortunate to have French artist and illustrator Audrey Dowling working with them- the pupils are thoroughly enjoying the workshops as are the staff. Delivered by the team at Children’s Books Ireland, the ‘Every Child a Reader’ programme will bring a diverse collection of excellent contemporary titles to students in 28 primary schools this
year, including Scoil Mhuire.

Through this initiative Children’s Books Ireland provides schools with a library of 250 books covering all ages, interests, genres and issues which represent the richness and diversity of Irish society. As well as hundreds of brilliant new books, chosen schools will receive supports and resource packs as well as bookmarks, bunting and stickers to celebrate their new library books.

Other materials such as curated reading guides, lists and further guidance will also be given to schools and families to encourage a love of reading that endures beyond the school gates.

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“We are absolutely delighted that our school has been selected to take part in the ‘Every Child A Reader’ programme. This wonderful initiative will bring an exciting range of new books into our school and will help foster a lifelong love of reading among our pupils. Access to high-quality, engaging books is so important in supporting children’s learning, imagination
and confidence.

"I would also like to sincerely thank our Literacy Coordinator, Ms Áine Power, whose dedication and enthusiasm for reading led to our successful application. Her commitment to promoting literacy in our school community has made this fantastic opportunity possible for our students and staff” said Claire Moloney, Principal.

Given the lack of sustainable funding for school libraries from the Irish government, it is unsurprising to see a demand for free book-gifting programmes such as ‘Every Child A Reader’ for primary students and ‘Everyone A Reader’ for secondary students.

In 2025, Children’s Books Ireland received over 1,000 applications from primary and secondary schools for the limited number of spaces for the book-gifting programmes commencing in 2026. Of 907 applications received from primary schools only 28 of these could be selected to receive the support provided through the ‘Every Child A Reader’ programme.

According to Education and Advocacy Manager, Dr Becky Long, the volume of submissions was, “evidence of the tremendous level of need, both in relation to a lack of physical books in schools, and a lack of new, contemporary and inclusive books.”

Children’s Books Ireland believes that every student on the island of Ireland deserves access to books and a chance to fall in love with reading.

This Spring, Children’s Books Ireland’s various book-gifting programmes will be launched in 39 different schools, bringing the power of stories to primary and secondary schools across the island of Ireland.

A full list of participating schools in the 2026 book-gifting programmes is available here.

Learn more about the work of Children’s Books Ireland on www.childrensbooksireland.ie

For more information, please contact Book-gifting Manager Aoife McDonnell on aoife.mcdonnell@childrensbooksireland.ie