Ireland Reads 2026 – A Call to All Schools

Reading has never been more important. In a fast-moving, digital world, the ability to focus, imagine, question, and understand deeply is vital for every young person. Reading does all of this — and more. It builds literacy, strengthens wellbeing, improves concentration, sparks creativity, and supports academic achievement across every subject.

We are asking schools, teachers, students and pupils nationwide to get behind Ireland Reads 2026 and help us inspire a new generation of confident, enthusiastic readers.

Why Your School’s Participation Matters

Reading supports learning and wellbeing — essential strengths that help young people thrive in today’s fast‑changing world.

Libraries are ready to help with brilliant, age-appropriate recommendations for children and teenagers.

Students respond to encouragement from teachers and school leaders — your involvement genuinely makes a difference.

Ireland Reads is a national movement that celebrates reading of all kinds: books, magazines, comics, graphic novels, eBooks, audiobooks — whatever gets students reading.

What’s New for 2026

Local libraries are offering curated children’s and teen reading lists, featuring exciting, diverse titles to suit every interest — sport, fantasy, mystery, creativity, gaming, wellbeing, graphic novels and more.

Your local library team can provide:

• Recommended reading lists for your students
• Advice on building reading habits in schools
• Printed materials, posters, and support for school engagement
• Access to 13 million physical items and thousands of eBooks, audiobooks, and magazines. 

Encourage your students to explore what’s available — there’s something for everyone.

How Schools Can Get Involved

In February, to mark Ireland Reads Day and promote reading as a healthy and enjoyable activity, we invite you to:

1. Promote reading across your school

• Hold a whole-of-school reading moment.
• Introduce ‘Drop Everything and Read’ sessions.
• Share staff reading picks with students.
• Invite classes to set personal reading goals for the month.
• Establish a reading club in the school.

2. Partner with Your Local Library

• Arrange class visits.
• Share the library’s reading lists and recommendations.
• Encourage students to sign up for a free library membership.
• Highlight library events running throughout February.

3. Celebrate Reading in Creative Ways

• Run a student or staff reading challenge.
• Organise book swaps or "Blind Date with a Book" tables.
• Invite students to recommend their favourite reads.
• Share your school’s involvement online using the campaign hashtags.

4. Support Ireland Reads online

We would love the whole school community to help spread the word about Ireland Reads 2026. Students, parents, and teachers can all play a part in growing the campaign’s reach by showing their support online.

Encourage your school community to:

• Share their reading moments throughout February.
• Post photos of what they’re reading (for example, books, comics, audiobooks!).
• Celebrate the lead-up to Ireland Reads Day on 28 February 2026 (or the day itself) with a reading post.
• Highlight your school’s involvement, activities, or reading challenges.
• Tag your local library to help amplify the message

When posting, please ask everyone to use the official campaign hashtags:

#IrelandReads #TellMeToGetLost #EireAgLeamh

5. Share Your School’s Ireland Reads Story Locally

Schools are also encouraged to share their Ireland Reads activities with their local newspaper or radio station. A short message, photo, or update about how your school is celebrating reading — whether it’s a whole‑school reading moment, a class challenge, or a creative literacy project — can help inspire the wider community to get involved. Local media love positive school stories, and your involvement can help amplify the importance of reading for young people across your area.

If your school does reach out, remind students, parents, and teachers to post online too, using the official campaign hashtags: #IrelandReads #TellMeToGetLost #EireAgLeamh.

Let’s Get Ireland Reading — Together

Schools play a powerful role in shaping reading habits that last a lifetime. With your support, we can make Ireland Reads 2026 the biggest and most inspiring reading celebration yet.

Thank you for helping us encourage every child and teenager to Get Lost in a Good Book this February.