Plenty of book worms in West Cork with books galore to read

A West Cork primary school is set to receive a library of 250 contemporary books as part of a programme nurturing the love of reading in children.

Scoil na mBuachaillí in Clonakilty is one of just 28 primary schools nationwide to be selected to take part in the Robert Dunbar Memorial Libraries Programme 2026.

Titled Every Child A Reader, the year-long programme is designed by national charity and arts organisation Children’s Books Ireland to support schools in fostering a joyful, inclusive, and sustainable culture of reading.

Through the programme, the school will receive a library of 250 high-quality books covering a wide range of ages, interests, genres, and themes that reflect the richness of Irish society, with 100 of the titles to be chosen by pupils themselves. Additional supports offered in the programme include professional learning for teachers, curated reading guides, classroom resources, and promotional materials such as bookmarks, bunting, and posters to celebrate reading across the school community.

A key feature of the programme is the support of a dedicated Champion of Reading — an author, illustrator or storyteller who works directly with pupils through a series of engaging workshops. Scoil na mBuachaillí has announced that acclaimed Irish author ER Murray will be the school’s Champion of Reading for 2026.

In preparation for the programme, Scoil na mBuachaillí is currently developing a new central school library in a shared communal space. The project is being carried out in collaboration with Finbarr, the school caretaker, and the pupils themselves, ensuring the library is welcoming, accessible, and shaped by student input.

The school’s application to the Robert Dunbar Memorial Libraries Programme was submitted by teacher Carol O’Boyle who shared her excitement at the programme’s launch recently.

She said: “We are thrilled to be one of the recipients of the starter library donated by Children’s Books Ireland. The books are absolutely stunning and will be read and re-read for years to come.”

Also speaking at the launch was school principal, Norma Harte, who said the programme aligns perfectly with the school’s commitment to nurturing a genuine love of reading among our pupils.

She said: “The emphasis on pupil choice, inclusion, and high-quality contemporary books is particularly meaningful for our school community. We are deeply grateful to Children’s Books Ireland for this opportunity, and to Ms Carol O’Boyle for her dedication in securing such a transformative programme for our boys.”