library | Marita Conlon-McKenna

Marita with The Balymun Book Club

Everyone knows by now that libraries are one of my favourite places so it was a real treat to be invited along to the lovely library in Ballymun to meet and talk to their Book Club.

They are a great bunch of young readers and the junior Book Club is run by librarian Caitriona O’Doherty. They had all just finished reading my book The Blue Horse so we had plenty to talk about. I was thrilled to hear they had also enjoyed reading Fairy Hill last year. They meet every month and read everything from newly published children’s books to old favourites and the classics, perfect for these brilliant bright bookworms. Over Christmas and New Year they will be reading The Wind in the Willows.

Ballymun library is a very special place and right at the heart of the community, with Writers Groups, art groups, and book clubs including a Murder one, study space and all kinds of events to encourage people to use the library. My friend librarian Sarah Conroy showed me around and Peter O Reilly, the senior librarian, is justifiably proud of their mission to get everyone reading, and using the library.

Peter O’Reilly, Caitriona O Doherty, Marita and Sarah Conroy in Ballymun Library

Marita with Librarian Paula Agnew and English Teachers from Slemish College

October is always a busy month for Children’s Writers and I found myself Ballymena bound to visit Slemish College Secondary School. Hearing all about its marvellous library which has become the heart of the school I really felt I had to come and visit it.

Librarian Paula Agnew has made the library a very special place for all the students, who told me how much they use it and go there even during lunch breaks. I’m not surprised as its array and display of books would put many a bookshop to shame.

I met all the lovely teachers from the English Department and talked to groups of students, many of them brilliant readers with some really keen to write and create their own books.

The fact we were in the large library made it extra special as libraries are one of my favourite places.

Traveling back to Dublin on the train I was a tired but happy writer and was absolutely thrilled with the beautiful gift of a hawthorn print that the school presented me with.