THIS THURSDAY, MARCH 7th marks the 22nd World Book Day. 

As Ireland celebrates the biggest annual event encouraging the enjoyment of books and reading, take the opportunity to get your little one interested in the magic of a good read.

Even the coolest smartphone or flashiest tablet can’t rival a book’s ability to transport you to a different world at just the turn of a page.

Here are six Irish events and activities to check out this month, all designed to help young minds celebrate reading beyond World Book Day…

DUBLIN

World Book Day at County Library, Tallaght: Held on World Book Day itself, this two-hour long event will celebrate the works of Roald Dahl, Jeff Kinney, Cressida Cowell and Lauren Child. There’ll be readings and craft sessions, and attendees are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite book character.

Suits: 7-12 years. When: March 7. Where: County Library, Tallaght. Costs: free. Find out more information here.

Book Clubs for Children: While you might have your own monthly book club, there are children’s book clubs held in Dublin City Libraries across the capital every three to four weeks for younger members of the family. As the books are provided by the library, there’s no cost to participate. 

Suits: varies depending on book club. When/where: varies depending on book club. Costs: free. Find out more information here.

The Dolly Parton Imagination Library: Launched this year, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library is a book-gifting scheme founded by the country singer herself. It provides children from birth to five-years-old with a new book every month for free to encourage them to become “reading ready” by the time they start school. The service is currently only being provided in Dublin 24, with hopes to expand beyond.

Suits: 0-5 years. When: every month. Where: Dublin 24. Costs: free. Find out more information here. 

Under the Sea: Family Story Generator: This interactive story workshop will be hosted by author Sarah Webb and will encourage attendees to create their own characters and write underwater adventures. 

Suits: 8 years +. When: March 16. Where: EPIC, CHQ Building, Dublin 1. Costs: €8 per adult, €16 per child (tickets include entry to the museum). Find out more information here. 

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WEXFORD

Story Time and Reading Groups: Held in libraries across Wexford, there are a number of weekly and monthly events across the county to suit toddlers to teenagers. Events include Toddler Story Time, Baby Rhyme Time and Teen Book Club. 

Suits: varies depending on event. When/where: varies depending on event. Costs: free. Find out more information here.

NATIONWIDE

Storytime Online: Organised as part of World Book Day, Storytime Online sees a range of famous authors and stars reading children’s books and short stories for kids of all ages in a series of videos.

Suits: all ages. When/where: available online ahead of World Book Day. Costs: free. Find out more information here.