Get lost in a good book!

Readers across Cork are being asked to get lost in a good book as part of a national campaign to get the whole country reading during February.

The campaign, which ends on Ireland Reads Day on 28 February, celebrates and promotes the many benefits of reading for wellbeing and enjoyment

The theme for 2026 is ‘Get Lost in a Good Book’, and Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service is inviting everyone in County Cork to take part.

Exciting events are planned for all ages to celebrate reading, books, and literature right in their local communities.

Some events taking place include author visits like Róisín Meaney (Mallow), Cónal Creedon (Bantry), and Billy O’Callaghan (Carrigaline).

There will also be children’s authors visits. Non-fiction author Bill Power is on the programme for Youghal. He will give a talk on the River Blackwater.

Craft workshops on book binding will take place in Midleton and Cobh. There will also be a talk by HSE psychologist on the benefits of reading in Kinsale. Seanchaí Yoga sessions will take place at Mitchelstown and Bandon.

There will be many more events happening in libraries across the county, from story times, coffee mornings to rediscover the joy of reading over a coffee or tea, book clinics, book trees, staff recommended reads, adult and juvenile reading challenges, one-to-one information sessions on library resources, to puzzles and games.

Local libraries in Cork want to show you their many cosy reading spaces so whether you’re a lifelong reader or just rediscovering the joy of books, there’s a place or event for you.

Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: “For the month of February, we are asking people to take part in the ‘Ireland Reads’ campaign. Reading enriches our minds and reduces stress.

“With all the events being hosted in our libraries, there will be something of interest for everyone.”

Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Moira Murrell said: “Cork County Council’s Library and Arts Service has organised a huge amount of free events across the county.”

The Chief Executive added: “Ireland Reads is an example of Cork County Council’s commitment to working with partners to support wellbeing across our communities.”

Ireland Reads is a Government of Ireland initiative, managed by Libraries Ireland and funded by the Department of Health through Healthy Ireland.