Books to the Sky

Press Release Issued 1st October 2009

South Dublin County Libraries? Children?s Book Festival 2009

Books to the Sky, South Dublin Libraries? themed Children?s Book Festival begins on Monday 5th October. The festival will run until Friday 23^rd October with plenty of fun events for all age groups, for both schools and the public.

South Dublin Libraries? Children?s Book Festival will be officially launched by the Mayor of South Dublin County, Councillor Mick Duff on Monday 5^th October at 11am in Clondalkin Library.? Guest of honour at the launch will be renowned Australian storyteller, Andrew Mckenna, who has performed at festivals all round Ireland.? His performances are for everyone and are sure to keep local schoolchildren enthralled. Andrew McKenna will also hold events in Lucan, Tallaght and Castletymon Libraries, guaranteeing all a great experience!

The theme of Books to the Sky takes in the world of Children?s Literature from comic verse to fantasy and everything in between.? Morning performances are reserved for school visits and visiting authors include;? Aine Ni Ghlinn, David Donohue, Paul H. Tubb, Aubrey Flegg, Mary Arrigan, Fiona Tierney, Sarah Rees Brennan, Niamh Sharkey, Gabriel Fitzmaurice, Tom Kelly, Tony Hickey, Conor Kostick, Oisin McGann, Jim Pipe, Susan Connolly, Maeve Friel and Gordon Snell.

There is also a lovely series of afternoon events for all ages from tots to teens.? ?For those who like to get creative, workshops include book-making, treasure chest arts and crafts, Halloween Mask and Decoration Workshop and a visit from the National Print Museum.? Younger visitors will enjoy a Safari Kids Workshop, Musical Tots and an interactive drama workshop with Breda Konstantin.

Story lovers will enjoy a session of Polish fables and an event for all ages is Monique Jolly - The Town with no Stories Puppet Show which is making a visit to a library near you!? Prepare to be entertained! (You may need to book for some of these events)

Festival competitions are open to everyone.? There is a colouring competition for Under 6?s and a writing competition with three different age categories beginning at 5 years old. ?So create your own character and write a story about him or her!? Great prizes to be won, sponsored by Leisureplex Tallaght.

Ask for details at your local library or download a Festival brochure, Books to the Sky ? Children?s Book Festival 2009 from our website ? www.southdublinlibraries.ie

A unique Open House: Explore your city?s architecture will also take place in the County Library, Tallaght on Friday 9^th October, an interactive session with the Chester Beatty Library, where children re-think their library and decide what it should look like and what should be in it.? An opportunity to rethink our public spaces!