Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service Invites You to Get Lost in a Good Book

16^th February 2026

Celebrate Reading Locally for ‘Ireland Reads Day’ on Saturday, 28^th February

Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service is proud to join libraries across Ireland in celebrating ‘Ireland Reads’, a national campaign to get the whole country reading during February, culminating with ‘Ireland Reads Day’ on Saturday, 28^th February.

The campaign, which is part of the government’s Healthy Ireland programme, celebrates and promotes the many benefits of reading for wellbeing and enjoyment. The theme for 2026 is ‘Get Lost in a Good Book’, and Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service is inviting everyone in County Cork to take part.

Exciting events are planned for all ages to celebrate reading, books, and literature right in their local communities. 

To celebrate Ireland Reads, Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service will be hosting the following events:

• Author visits include Róisín Meaney (Mallow), Cónal Creedon (Bantry), and Billy O’Callaghan (Carrigaline).

• Children’s authors visits.

• Non-fiction author Bill Power is on the programme for Youghal. He will give a talk on the ‘River Blackwater’.

• Craft workshops on Book Binding will take place in Midleton and Cobh.

• A talk by HSE psychologist on the benefits of reading in Kinsale.

• Seanchaí Yoga sessions at Mitchelstown and Bandon.

There will be many more events happening in libraries across the county, from story times, coffee mornings to rediscover the joy of reading over a coffee or tea, book clinics, book trees, staff recommended reads, adult and juvenile reading challenges, one-to-one information sessions on library resources, to puzzles and games. Local libraries in Cork want to show you their many cosy reading spaces so whether you’re a lifelong reader or just rediscovering the joy of books, there’s a place or event for you.

The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said, “For the month of February, we are asking people to take part in the ‘Ireland Reads’ campaign. Reading enriches our minds and reduces stress. With all the events being hosted in our libraries, there will be something of interest for everyone.”

All these activities and events are reflective of a busy programme that is a constant for Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service. Cork libraries are encouraging people of all ages to visit during February to enjoy library services and participate in the campaign.

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said, “Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service has organised a huge amount of free events across the County. ‘Ireland Reads’ is an example of Cork County Council’s commitment to working with partners to support wellbeing across our communities.”

Reading connects us to ideas and stories that shape who we are. It opens doors to knowledge, imagination, and supports wellbeing in today’s busy world. Library membership is free and staff in Cork’s local libraries are delighted to help people looking for reading recommendations that are particular to their interests. ‘Ireland Reads’ is all about asking people to take time for themselves to enjoy the benefits of reading and to encourage people to visit their local library and participate.

Ireland Reads is a Government of Ireland initiative, managed by Libraries Ireland and funded by the Department of Health through Healthy Ireland.

Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service would also like to highlight 100 Years of the Cork County Council Library. To mark this, Cork County Council will also be looking for your memories of the library down through the years and the decades.

For more information contact your local library and also check Cork County Council’s social media channels. You can also visit www.irelandreads.ie for more information about the campaign.