Press Release: Summer Stars Returns to Inspire Young Readers Across Kilkenny

Kilkenny County Council Library Service is delighted to announce the return of the Summer Stars Reading Adventure 2026, inviting children across the county to enjoy a summer filled with imagination, creativity and reading.

A national public library initiative, Summer Stars encourages children of all ages to continue reading during the school holidays. The programme is free to join and officially begins on 8 June, with registration available at all Kilkenny library branches. From pre-readers sharing picture books with family members to confident readers exploring novels and non-fiction, every child can take part.

Throughout June, July and August, libraries across Kilkenny will host a vibrant programme of activities including storytimes, workshops and creative sessions designed to make reading fun and accessible. Participants can track their reading, set personal goals and receive rewards along the way, culminating in a Summer Stars medal and certificate of achievement. 

Executive Librarian Sophie Walsh said: “Summer Stars is a wonderful way for children to stay connected to reading in a relaxed and enjoyable way. We want every child to feel that reading is for them, whether they love stories, facts, comics or audiobooks.”

If you are not a library member you have the option to join the library online in advance by visiting www.kilkennylibrary.ie. You will receive a temporary library number, which you can bring to the library along with valid ID to complete the membership process. 

Kilkenny County Council Library Service encourages all families to take part and discover the joy of reading together this summer. 

About Summer Stars
Summer Stars is part of the Right to Read Programme. The programme promotes literacy and reading development for children of all ages. It is delivered by the public library services of local authorities, coordinated by the Local Government Management Agency (LGMA) and supported by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht. For more information, visit www.librariesireland.ie .

For more information, visit your local branch or follow Kilkenny County Council Library Service online.
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For more information, contact: 
Sophie Walsh 
Email: sophie.walsh@kilkennylibrary.ie
Phone: 056 7794160