Tipperary primary school is selected to take part in national book scheme

Sisters of Charity NS, 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 2025.

Designed by national charity and arts organisation Childrens 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.
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.

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 nine primary schools this year, including the Sisters of Charity NS. 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 display posters, 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.

“We were thrilled to learn of our award from Children’s Books Ireland. Developing a love of reading in every child in our school is something we strive for - to receive both recognition of this work and the additional books for our library is amazing for our school community. We are extremely lucky to have been supported by a team of dedicated library volunteers and donations of books from the local community since our library’s inception in 2012. As part of the award we are really looking forward to engaging with all the wonderful book related challenges CBI have set for us. Our pupils have also had the opportunity to work with author and illustrator, Helena Duggan. The creativity she has sparked within our pupils is so exciting to see unfold and we hope that her work may lead to a whole school publication in the months ahead!” said Cliodhna Breen, Principal of the Sisters of Charity National School, Clonmel.