Image: BBC Press
By Jon Donnis
Book lovers across Northern Ireland are gearing up for the return of Book Week NI, running from Monday, 21 October to Sunday, 27 October. This week-long celebration, jointly organized by the BBC and Libraries NI, highlights the joys of reading and the vital role libraries play in supporting communities.
Book Week promises an exciting range of activities and events throughout Northern Ireland's library network, accompanied by special BBC programming designed to inspire readers of all ages. From engaging library events to unique broadcast content, Book Week 2024 will shine a light on the transformative power of books and the importance of making time to read.
Special Guests and Must-Read Recommendations
As part of the celebrations, Ministers from the Northern Ireland Executive have joined the initiative as Book Week Ambassadors, championing the benefits of reading and sharing their personal book recommendations with the public. Their involvement underscores the cultural importance of reading as a way to connect and enrich community life.
A series of 60-second Book Week films featuring prominent local writers and well-known BBC presenters will be released throughout the week on BBC Northern Ireland's social media channels and on bbc.co.uk/bookweekni. One special highlight will be a poem dedicated to bookshops, read by renowned poet Michael Longley, capturing the essence of literary spaces and the stories they hold.
Schools, Universities, and Translink Join the Fun
Book Week 2024 will also see schools and university libraries across Northern Ireland actively participating, engaging students in a variety of reading-focused activities and events. Meanwhile, Translink is encouraging its passengers on buses and trains to make the most of their commutes by diving into a good book, turning daily journeys into a chance to escape into a story.
Love Your Library Day
One of the signature events of the week is Love Your Library Day, which takes place on Wednesday, 23 October. It's the perfect opportunity to visit your local library, explore its vast collection, and borrow some books to fuel your reading habit. Whether you're a frequent visitor or someone who hasn't been to a library in years, Love Your Library Day invites everyone to rediscover the magic of these community hubs.
Growing Partnerships and Shared Vision
Mark Adair, BBC NI's Head of Corporate and Community Affairs, emphasized the enduring success of the event, saying: "Book Week has become an established feature of the BBC's local calendar of events. It's a celebration of books and libraries and the difference that they make. And it's made possible through our brilliant partnership with Libraries NI. We hope that everyone will feel able to get involved and that Book Week 2024 will be memorable and fun."
Jim O'Hagan, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, echoed this enthusiasm, highlighting the initiative's impact: "At the heart of Book Week is a desire to encourage people in local communities to take time to read and to encourage a new generation of readers. We value our partnership with the BBC which has helped to grow Book Week year on year, and we are excited about the growing number of organisations who share the vision. I want to encourage people this week to pick up a book or, if you don't know what to read, call in to your local library and start a reading journey which can make a positive difference in your life."
Join the Book Week Celebration
With its combination of events, broadcasts, and community involvement, Book Week NI 2024 is set to offer something for everyone. Whether you're a seasoned reader, a student, a commuter, or simply someone looking for a new hobby, this is the perfect time to explore the wonderful world of books. So, mark your calendar, visit your local library, and embrace the joy of reading during Book Week NI.
For more information and updates on events, follow BBC Northern Ireland and Libraries NI on social media or visit bbc.co.uk/bookweekni.
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