Summer Stars Reading Adventure gets underway at Laois Libraries
Pupils from 3rd Class at Holy Family Senior School helped launch Summer Stars 2026 with Laois County Library Service. Summer Stars. They were joined by author Shane Hegarty; teacher Ms Deirdre Coleman; Cllr Barry Walsh, cathaoirleach of Laois County Council; Rachel Hoban, Portlaoise librarian; teacher Ms Siobhan Fitzpatrick; Bernie Foran, Laois County librarian and Suzanne Carroll, senior executive librarian Photo: Alf Harvey
THE Summer Stars Reading Adventure is now underway in all Laois Libraries. It comes following its official launch with 3rd Class pupils from Holy Family Senior School, Portlaoise, on 9 June with special guest, children’s author Shane Hegarty.
Children of all ages are invited to join the free national reading programme by signing up at their local library. The challenge encourages children to keep reading throughout the summer holidays by borrowing and enjoying books from the library. Participants receive rewards as they progress through the challenge, including certificates, medals and entry into prize draws for those who reach the top reading milestones.
Alongside the reading challenge, a packed programme of free storytimes, crafts, workshops, performances and author events is taking place in libraries across the county. While all events are free, booking is required for many activities.
County Librarian Bernie Foran said: “Summer Stars is a wonderful way to keep children reading over the summer while having fun. We encourage every child to visit their local library, discover new books and take part in the fantastic events happening throughout the holidays.” Summer Stars runs until 31 August, and children can join at any stage during the summer.
For more information or to view the full programme of events, visit : https://laois.ie/libraries/reading-and-literacy/right-to-read-programme
