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20th February 2025
12:07pm GMT
Author Sarah Webb has said it has never been more important to find books for children and encourage reading.
Ahead of Ireland Reads Day this Saturday, February 22nd, the writer is encouraging parents to pick up a book and read to their child.
She is also advising parents not to allow technology to interfere with their kids’ reading habits.
Webb shared, "Once children have a device, all kinds of things go, everything suffers, even sport,” said award-winning children’s author Webb, whose new book tells the story of young women on a mission for change in 1950s Dublin.
"It has never been more important to help them find books and as parents, we need to step up and make sure there are nice books around, including Irish books; it’s never too late.
"The key is in finding stories that they connect with, find things they want to read but don’t be sniffy about it. If you need book advice, ask a Librarian for help."
"There seems to be a lot of pushback against funny books and comic books but the number one thing is finding something that keeps them reading."
Irish libraries, says Webb, are a key tool in fostering regular reading habits, offering audiobooks, the online library Borrowbox, and membership without the risk of fines for late book returns.
Sarah Webb is encouraging families to take part in this year's Ireland Reads Day.
The national celebration will be marked in hundreds of libraries across Ireland, including in-person author talks from Cecilia Ahern (Dublin), Rita Ann Higgins (Galway), and Eve McDonnell (Wexford).
To see a list of events taking place in libraries across the country, visit www.irelandreads.ie.
What book will you pick up on Ireland Reads Day this weekend?
