Local reading initiative launches in Clara and Tullamore

A new local reading initiative One Book One Community has launched in Clara and Tullamore, aiming to bring people together through the simple act of sharing one story.

The 2025 project was officially launched at Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore on Tuesday, September 9, with a lunchtime event attended by schools, partners and community members.

This year Clara and Tullamore will be reading The Summer I Robbed a Bank by David O’Doherty – a hilarious and heart-warming adventure about a boy, his eccentric uncle, and an island bank robbery with a twist. Packed with humour, mischief, and meaningful lessons about friendship, community and standing up for what matters, it’s the perfect story to bring readers of all ages together.

Local schools are playing a big part, with pupils from Sixth Class Primary School and First Year Secondary School reading the book in class, while families and the community are invited to read along at home. Copies of The Summer I Robbed a Bank are available to loan through both Clara and Tullamore library, with all pupils of Sixth Class and First Year also receiving a copy in their project pack.

To support the project, an exciting programme of events will run from Monday, September 29 to Friday October 17, including illustration workshops, writing sessions, cookery demos, art cafes, library open mornings, and a town park scavenger hunt.

A highlight of this year’s programme is The Art of Us, a creative competition and exhibition open to everyone. Inspired by the book’s themes of imagination, community and adventure, participants are invited to submit drawings, paintings, photography, short stories, poetry or digital art. Submissions will be showcased in Clara Library from October 15th, with selected stories also broadcast on Midlands 103 – giving the whole community a chance to celebrate their creativity.

This project was supported by the Collaboration and Innovation Fun as part of the Adult Literacy for Life strategy. Adult Literacy is co-funded by the Government of Ireland and the European Union. Partners include Offaly Local Development Company, Offaly County Council, Offaly Sports Partnership, Offaly Libraries, LOETB, HSE, Midlands 103, Clara and Tullamore Family Resource Centres and the Home School Community Liaison Coordinators in Tullamore and Clara.