'One Book One Community' launches in Birr

Birr is set to turn a new page with the launch of One Book One Community, a collaborative community-wide initiative designed to encourage reading in the home and foster a love of books among children and families.

Partners in the project include Offaly Local Development Company, LOETB and Offaly Libraries.

Bringing together schools, libraries, community groups, local businesses and families, One Book One Community aims to create a shared reading experience across Birr, promoting the simple but powerful message that reading together strengthens learning, imagination, and community connection.

The book chosen for this year’s initiative is Leona Forde’s 'Milly McCarthy is a Complete Catastrophe'.

The initiative encourages families to make reading part of everyday life by sharing stories at home, creating positive reading habits, and celebrating books as a source of enjoyment and discovery for all ages.

Speaking about the launch, Louise Larkin, Social Inclusion Team Leader with Offaly Local Development, said: “This year’s book is a fun, fast-paced and engaging novel that is sure to spark conversations, inspire imaginations, and strengthen connections across our schools, families, libraries, and wider community.”

The initiative brings a full schedule of activities to the area from September 19 to 26, including scavenger hunts, cookery demonstrations, craft sessions and much more. Over the summer months, libraries in the area will host a range of activities centred around Milly and her catastrophes. Resource packs are also available for schools to support engagement in the project.

The launch reflects a growing recognition of the importance of reading at home in supporting educational development, communication skills, well-being, and creativity. Residents across Birr and surrounding areas are invited to get involved by reading together at home, participating in upcoming events, and supporting the shared goal of building a stronger reading culture throughout the community. The full schedule of events is available to pick up in library branches now.

For more information, or to request a resource pack, contact Louise on 087 692 5276 or email llarkin@offalyldc.ie