Author: karen

Are you a budding writer? Come along to our free Creative Writing workshop in Milford on Wednesday 13 March at 6pm! Places are limited to registration is recommended. Come along and enjoy!

We are delighted to announce our writing competition for 2019.

This year, we are asking participants to write a story (500 words or less) based on one of Mr Stink’s most well-known sayings: “Unimaginable Kindness”.

Details on how to enter are attached, along with a cover sheet for submission. So have fun and get writing!

We have a fabulous new app!

Make sure to download the Read Donegal app for: the latest news; some very special bonus “goodies”; and of course, our list of book-tastic events that will be taking place over the next six weeks. You can add them to your own custom planner so you’ll not miss a thing!

Over the next six weeks, we will be announcing events, activities and competitions that everyone can take part in. We are also encouraging schools and community groups to organise their own events, and to let us know all about them. That way, we can add them to our app, our website and social media pages. Just contact us!

Download the app here: https://n56.ie/readdl/

We’re delighted to have officially launched Read DL 2019!

Read DL which was launched on Thursday night (28 February) in the Central Library in Letterkenny. We had a wonderful evening with special guests Joe McHugh TD, Karen Guthrie and Sharon Stewart.

This is the 9th year of Read DL and its appeal remains as fresh as ever with hundreds of children and young people from 77 schools across Donegal including 6 youth reach centres and 10 ETB Learning for Living Centres taking part in what has become an incredibly successful community literacy initiative.

Speaking at the launch Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council Cllr. Seamus O’Domhnaill described Read DL is a fine example of how community interaction and dialogue can be encouraged across a vast area and explained that “there are numerous benefits to reading and being literate. It can have far reaching consequences in a person’s life. Furthermore being involved in a community of reading, such as a book club, also has a profound impact on an individual’s life. According to the Reading Agency being a member of a reading group supports learning, provides opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment, develops individual confidence and self-esteem, builds a feeling of belonging and inclusion, promotes a sense of wellbeing and can provide a life-line in difficult circumstances”.

Thanks to Donegal ETB,  Letterkenny Institute of Technology, Donegal County Council, Donegal County Library and CYPSC Donegal for everything you do do support us. We hope you all enjoy the next six weeks of reading!

Getting involved

Registration for group participation in this year’s programme is now closed, but individual copies of the book are available at your local library. Visit http://www.donegallibrary.ie to reserve your copy. You can also visit http://www.readdonegal.com for further information and learning activities to accompany ‘Mr. Stink’ and previous READ DL titles. Stay up to date by following Read DL on Facebook @readdlsocial, Twitter @ReadDonegal, Instagram “readdonegal” and our new Read Donegal app, available on both android and apple devices.

The registration deadline for Read DL 2019 has been extended to Friday 25 January 2019, so make sure to register while you can!

We’ve had a lot of enquiries from individuals this year about how to get involved. Here’s what we’re suggesting:

Try to set up as a group, or get a group you’re already involved in to participate in the initiative (Scouts, Sports Group, Parents, a group of families, etc.). Think of it as a taster book club, which only lasts six weeks so it’s not a huge commitment. We’re suggesting this route, as the ethos of the initiative is community-based and you’ll get so much more out of it from collective reading, discussion and activities.

If your group want to get hold of the €2 copies of the book for keeps, register before the 18 January deadline.  If you don’t want to purchase the books, you can register online and put the quantity of books as “0” by the same date. Alternatively an adult can get in touch with us after that date. That way we’ll keep you up to speed with what’s happening throughout the duration of the initiative.

If forming or connecting with a group is not possible, don’t despair! You can contact us via the website to say you’re interested and we’ll stay in touch throughout the initiative. You can also pick up a free lending copy ay your local library. For details visit here.

We’re looking forward to a great read!

Registration is now open for Read DL 2019! If your school or community group would like to get involved, click here to fill out our registration form. Registration closes on 18 January.

We are delighted to announce that our chosen book for 2019 is Mr Stink by David Walliams.

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Chloe, the loneliest girl in the world makes friends with Mr Stink, the local tramp. One day, she decides to help him out when she realises he might be driven out of town. How does she do that? Well, she hides him in her shed.

She has to make sure that no one finds out her secret. And speaking of secrets, there just might be more to Mr Stink than what meets the eyes (or the nose). This hilarious and charming story is filled love, life and of course, surprising secrets!  

Reviews: 

“A pleasure to read. A beguilingly funny, original and thought-provoking tale… hilarious” Amanda Craig, The Times

“The story is an inventive joy.” – The Daily Telegraph

“a delight from start to finish… a new Roald Dahl” – The Times

If you, your school or community group would like to take part, you can register here.

A twist in our tale!

Due to the weather conditions, the Closing Ceremony has been CANCELLED today (1 March 2018). A new date will be arranged very (very, very) soon, so check out our social media accounts for more updates. 

What are you doing for World Book Day?

The closing ceremony for Read DL 2018 will be held at Letterkenny Educate Together National School, on Thursday  1 March. We are also delighted to announce that students from the school will act as MC’s for the event. 

If you, your school or community group would like to attend, please email readdonegal@gmail.com. 

We look forward to seeing you there!