Summer Stars Returns to Spark Children’s Love of Reading Across Louth

Louth County Council’s Library Service has launched the annual Summer Stars reading programme, a national initiative that helps children to maintain and improve their reading skills during the school holidays.

The launch event, which was attended by Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, Amanda Branigan, County Librarian, and students from Dún Dealgan National School, took place at Dundalk Library on Friday, 5 June.

Delivered locally by Louth County Council’s Library Service, Summer Stars is a free national reading programme that runs throughout the summer months, from June until the end of August, across all Louth library branches in Dundalk, Drogheda, Ardee, Dunleer and Carlingford.  A wide range of free events and activities will take place across all branches, including story times and arts and crafts activities.

Youngsters across County Louth are encouraged to join the adventure and discover the joy and pleasure of reading over the summer holidays. Summer Stars is non-competitive, and every child who reads even one book or e-book is regarded as having completed the programme – and it’s all completely free!

Children can join Summer Stars by visiting any Louth library branch. Each child will receive a free Summer Stars pack, which includes a reading card to track their reading adventures throughout the summer, an activity book with engaging literacy-friendly activities, a bookmark to mark their place while reading and a Summer Stars bag to keep their books safe.

Cllr Seán Kelly, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: “The Summer Stars programme is a brilliant way to inspire children to keep reading during the summer months while connecting with their local library.

“Our libraries around the county play an essential role in fostering learning, creativity and a sense of community, and I encourage families across Louth to get involved and support their children every step of the way.”

Amanda Branigan, County Librarian, said: “Reading over the summer is one of the best ways to support children’s learning and confidence. Summer Stars encourages young readers to keep exploring books while having fun, helping to build strong reading habits that last a lifetime.”

For more information, follow Louth Library Service on Facebook and Instagram, visit your local library, or contact library staff at libraryhelpdesk@louthcoco.ie