Ireland Reads 2026 – A Call to All Childcare & Early Learning Centres

Reading has never been more important. In the early years, language, imagination, and early literacy skills grow rapidly. Reading and storytelling play a central role in this development. Even short daily reading moments help build vocabulary, attention, creativity, emotional understanding, and a lifelong love of books. We are asking childcare and early learning centres nationwide to get behind Ireland Reads 2026 and help us nurture the next generation of curious, confident young readers.

Why Your Participation Matters

Reading and storytelling support children’s:

• Language development and early literacy
• Emotional wellbeing and connection
• Concentration and listening skills
• Imagination, creativity, and play
• Social interaction and communication

Libraries also offer wonderful age‑appropriate books for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers — from board books and picture books to early story collections and audiobooks.

Your encouragement, enthusiasm, and daily routines genuinely help inspire children to enjoy reading from the very beginning. What’s New for 2026

Local libraries are offering:

• Curated booklists for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers
• A wide range of diverse and inclusive stories
• Advice for educators on building early reading habits
• Posters, printed materials, and supports for promoting Ireland Reads
• Free membership that families can use to borrow books, audiobooks, and more

Libraries offer something for every child and for every stage of development. How Childcare and Early Learning Centres Can Get Involved

Throughout February, and especially in the lead‑up to Ireland Reads Day, we invite you to enjoy and celebrate reading in playful, meaningful ways.

1. Create Reading Moments in Your Setting

• Hold a daily quiet reading or storytime moment.
• Build cosy reading corners where children can explore books independently.
• Share your favourite staff read‑alouds with the children.
• Encourage children to choose books and turn pages at their own pace.

2. Connect with Your Local Library

• Arrange a group visit for a storytime or tour.
• Share library booklists with parents and guardians.
• Encourage families to sign up for free library membership.
• Highlight library events happening throughout February.

3. Celebrate Reading Creatively

• Organise a “Favourite Book or Story” week.
• Run simple, playful reading or storytelling challenges.
• Set up book baskets themed around children’s interests.
• Encourage children to bring in a favourite book from home.
• Create art, play, and activities inspired by stories.

4. Support Ireland Reads Online

Help spread the message. Invite your community to:

• Share their reading or storytime moments throughout February.
• Post photos of favourite books or reading corners.
• Highlight your setting’s participation in Ireland Reads.
• Tag your local library to show their support.

Please use the official campaign hashtags:
#IrelandReads #TellMeToGetLost #EireAgLeamh

5. Share Your Ireland Reads Story Locally

Early learning and childcare settings are welcome to share their reading activities with local newspapers or radio stations. Short stories or photos of your Ireland Reads activities — from special storytime moments to creative literacy play — can help inspire families and the wider community.

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

#IrelandReads #TellMeToGetLost #EireAgLeamh

Let’s Get Ireland Reading - Together

Early learning and childcare professionals play a vital role in shaping children’s earliest experiences with books and storytelling. With your support, we can make Ireland Reads 2026 a joyful, nationwide celebration of reading for even our youngest learners.

Thank you for helping children across Ireland to Get Lost in a Good Book this February.