‘Return to Reading’ and the joy of books

Ciara O’Hara

As the cost of living rises, library books remain a free means of relaxation, and to help spread the word, Westmeath Libraries are inviting people of all ages to ‘Squeeze in a Read’ on Saturday, February 25. It is part of Ireland Reads, an annual campaign promoting the benefits of sitting down with a book, no matter how briefly.

Members of the public are encouraged to make a pledge in advance of National Day of Reading, whether it’s for one minute or one hour. It doesn’t matter what you read, and you can register, get tailored recommendations and sign up for reading reminders on the irelandreads.ie website. So far, Ireland has pledged 40,000 minutes.

Reading for as little as six minutes can reduce stress by 68%, according to research conducted by the University of Sussex, but it’s often challenging to find time to read, and difficult to form the habit again once it’s been broken. To help overcome those obstacles, Westmeath Libraries have organised a ‘Squeeze in a Read’ event called ‘Return to Reading’ in Mullingar Library on Saturday, February 25, at 11.30am.

Return to Reading

‘Return to Reading’ aims to gently help readers reconnect with books and is hosted by author Lorraine Murphy. “I’m an all or nothing reader, where I will devour a book in one sitting or else not read for ages. Since I started writing, it’s been getting harder to get the time and headspace to do this,” says Lorraine, whose first novel, Into the Woods, was published last autumn and is one of Amazon’s top-selling Irish thrillers.

After a friend pointed out that reading just 20 pages a day amounts to a book a fortnight, Lorraine adopted a “little and often” approach which she finds less overwhelming.

“I’ve spoken to so many people in the same boat and they almost apologise for it, feeling guilt and shame, yet ask them about their favourite book and they come alive. This is what I hope to reconnect with on February 25: the joy of a good book in a guilt-free, non-judgemental space. Bring along a book you love, and it doesn’t matter how long it’s been, you’ll find a welcome back.”

“In Westmeath, we are delighted to be hosting story times in the run up to Ireland Reads. We are looking forward to a special Ireland Reads podcast which features library staff and some of our book club reviewers,” says Paula O’Dornan, senior executive librarian with Westmeath County Library Service. A series of podcasts called ‘In Conversation’, which includes interviews with acclaimed authors Patricia Gibney and Anne Griffin, will also be launched by Westmeath Libraries soon.

Most read books

And what were Westmeath’s most-wanted library books in 2022?

The most borrowed novels across all branches were Home Stretch by Graham Norton; Beautiful world, Where Are You? By Sally Rooney; and Liar by Lesley Pearse for adults; and Little Miss Wise by Roger Hargreaves; Diary of an Awesome Friendly Kid by Jeff Kinney; and Little Miss Curious by Roger Hargreaves, for children. The Driver Theory Test, Neven Maguire’s Midweek Meals and Gino’s Italian family Adventure by Gino D’Acampo topped the general non-fiction charts, while The Story of Croke Park by Micheál Ó Muircheartaigh, Create With Code: Build Your Own Website by Clyde Hatter, and Guinness World Records 2022, were all a hit with curious youths. Teenagers enjoyed As good As Dead by Holly Jackson, Not My Problem by Ciara Smyth, and Eye of the Storm by Simon Furman.

My Open Library

Membership of public libraries is free. You can join at any age and avail of a variety of services. It couldn’t be easier to access Westmeath Libraries since the ‘My Open Library’ system was introduced in Mullingar, Castlepollard and Moate. This allows members to browse and borrow 8am-10pm, 365 days a year, using self-service facilities. BorrowBox also offers library members free online access to ebooks and audiobooks from the comfort of their own home.

Visit irelandreads.ie to find out what’s happening all over the country for Ireland Reads, find recommendations for all tastes, and make your pledge to read on Saturday, February 25.

News about Westmeath Libraries and all of their podcasts can be found at westmeathculture.ie and you can register for events at westmeath.spydus.ie. All library events are free but booking is essential.