Date: 11 Mar 2025
Read DL 25 draws to a close in Glenveagh National Park with author, Stewart Foster
Read DL 2025 will draw to a close at 11am Thursday 13th March in beautiful Glenveagh National Park. In attendance will be the author of this year’s book, Stewart Foster who will meet with Drumman NS Ramelton, Loreto Convent Letterkenny and St. Patrick’s Girls School, Carndonagh, the three successful schools out of those who applied to perform for him on the day.
The ceremony brings to a close the 6 week school and community literacy project where 85 took part in the initiative.
The aim of READ DL is a simple one: to create an awareness and love of reading in County Donegal. Speaking prior to the Glenveagh ceremony, Mayor Niamh Kennedy congratulated the READ DL committee for another successful initiative. “Now in its thirteenth year, READ DL has been able to supply over 20,000 books to local schools and communities. This is made possible through the co-operation of both the local Education and Training Board (ETB) and the Atlantic Technological University (ATU). Helping children and families to read together over the last decade is a commendable achievement and I hope it will have a positive long lasting effect on all who have participated”.
Steward Foster the author of this year’s book, All the things that could go wrong said that he had to get to Donegal to see for himself the work that READ DL is doing. “I am delighted to be here and see the work being done in schools and communities in the County. This is my second book chosen by READ DL and I am so proud that they have chosen one of my books again”.
This year Read DL has distributed 2,000 books across Donegal, a fact that has pleased the READ DL committee. Joseph Kelly, Executive Librarian and Right to Read Coordinator with Donegal County Library Service, was delighted with the demand. “Again, we have seen huge interest in READ DL 25. All of the books have been allocated to registered schools, groups, and families in all parts of the County. We are delighted with the response and along with the Ireland Reads Initiative there’s plenty of literacy activities and events happening locally".
"We are also delighted with the support again this year from both Donegal Education and Training Board (ETB) and Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Letterkenny in such a successful partnership that promotes and encourages reading within the whole community. For the second year running, the local Children and Young People’s Services Committee (CYPSC) have provided funding for the provision of art and creative writing workshops that we will bring to participating schools and groups within each Municipal District of the County."
"While all the available books have been allocated, there are still ways to participate such as visiting www.donegalculture.ie and reserving copies of the book. Or call into your local branch as they are fully stocked with copies for lending”.
The closing ceremony will also announce the winners of the 500-word creative writing competition will be announced.
Leaving Glenveagh, Stewart will travel to Errigal College in Letterkenny to hold a Q&A session with students while later will lead a writing workshop with learners, writers and authors in ATU, Letterkenny.
Read DL is a ‘One Book, One Community’ literacy initiative which takes place each Spring. We are grateful for the support of all the agencies and volunteers involved in the committee who contribute so much of their time to its annual success.
For more information on the work of READ DL and to views past books and authors visit the READ DL social media platforms and www.readdonegal.com
