Offaly libraries to celebrate Children's Book Festival this month
Offaly libraries is celebrating the 2026 Children's Book Festival (CBF) with a programme co-funded by Creative Ireland.
A number of events for local primary school classes are being held in the county's libraries, featuring workshops with artist and illustrator Shannon Bergin, a Vroom-Town Story-time with Emer Conlon, and Punch and Judy.
Public events will also take place, including a visit by author Christopher Galvin to Edenderry Library on Saturday, October 17, at 11.30am. Children, aged eight years and over, are invited to enter the fantastical world of 'The Thing About Giants'. This fun event is packed with imagination and storytelling secrets, and you will have the opportunity to ask your own questions.
During the mid-term break, to tie in with the Hullaballoo! Children’s Arts Festival, there will be an array of CBF co-hosted events.
A Harry Potter Wand Making workshop with Sarah Tully (8-12yrs) takes place at Birr, Edenderry, Kilcormac and Tullamore libraries (booking essential).
Meanwhile, Mrs. Book Saves the Day (3-7yrs) will take place at Birr, Clara, Edenderry and Tullamore libraries (booking essential). There will also be story-times, movies, messy play and crafts at selected libraries.
CBF 2026 is a great opportunity for young people, parents, teachers and libraries to celebrate books and reading!
An important part of the national 'Right to Read' initiative, the festival aims to encourage children to enjoy the experience of reading and support their reading development through activities and events in collaboration with writers, artists and storytellers.
The new Children’s Books Ireland recommended reading guide will be available for free to collect from your local library, with newly published recommended reads for all ages. Library branches will also have book displays featuring many of these recommended titles.
Full details of all all events are available in the CBF programme which can be accessed at www.offaly.ie/libraries, or you can contact or visit your local library for details.