Education Minister opens school library on World Book Day

Education Minister John O’Dowd today opened a new school library at St Patrick’s Primary School in Cullyhanna.

Today is World Book Day, the aim of which is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own.

The Minister said:

“I am delighted to be here with you, on what is World Book Day, to open your new school library. Within this library there are many different books covering all sorts of topics which give the children of St Patrick’s the opportunity to realise the pleasure and joy of reading and in turn allow them to develop their literacy skills. Reading is a greatly rewarding activity which cannot be matched by television, video games or mobile devices.

“I also want to take this opportunity to praise the Parent Teacher Association at the school who have been heavily involved in refurbishing the library and fund-raising to support it. Your involvement in encouraging reading is one of the key messages of my Education Works campaign. Research has shown that young children who are read to at home in Primary One did much better at school than those who are not read to.

In conclusion the Minister said:

“I also very much enjoy discovering new books and am always open to the possibility that there are books out there that I will enjoy even more.

“One thing is for certain: reading is something that I encourage all young people to get involved with and enjoy.”

Notes to editors: 

1. The Department of Education’s ‘Education Works’ campaign promotes the value of education. This year’s campaign aims to ensure that parents have information on schooling and that they are aware of the steps they can take to ‘Get Involved’ and support their teenager in achieving good outcomes at school. Watch out for the ads on television, radio and outdoor locations. The campaign highlights the vital role families can play in helping children do well at school and improve their life chances. Visit nidirect - Education Works for more information or watch the TV ad on the Department’s YouTube channel.
2. See photos from the Department of Education in our flickr collection.
3. Media enquiries to the Department of Education’s Communications Team on Tel: 028 9127 9268. Out of office hours contact the Duty Press Officer via pager number 07699715440 and your call will be returned.

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