Laois show for star writers in Portlaoise Library

Laois people are being urged to ‘get lost in a good book’ on Saturday, February 22, as Ireland Reads Day comes to libraries nationwide.

Portlaoise Library will host a conversation between best-selling authors Amanda Cassidy and Andrea Mara.

The organisers want you to join them for an afternoon of conversation about their writing journeys, creative processes and the inspiration behind their gripping novels. 

An engaging event offering a unique chance to hear their insights, ask questions and connect with two of Ireland's most exciting authors is promised. 

Andrea Mara is a #1 international bestselling author. Several of her books have been shortlisted for Irish Independent Crime Fiction Book of the Year awards. Someone in the Attic was her North American debut, and It Should Have Been You is her second novel to be published in North America.

Author of The Perfect Place, Amanda Cassidy is also a freelance journalist, commissioning editor, former Sky News reporter She has been shortlisted for the Irish Journalist of the Year Awards and the Headline Media writing awards. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Ireland Reads Day, led by Libraries Ireland, encourages people of all ages to pick up a book during February and to embrace the joy and power of reading.

Award-winning author and Ireland Reads ambassador, Marian Keyes, feels strongly about the transformative power of reading, which she discovered as a child. 

“I was an anxious, lonely child, but when I read my first Enid Blyton book, The Twins at St Clare’s, my mind was blown,” she said. 

“Suddenly, I had a gateway to another world – to infinite worlds. I was able to escape the discomfort of being me by immersing myself in the lives of others. Since then, reading has been my saviour. The ability to read is my superpower.”

Ireland Reads is a great way to rediscover Laois libraries and all the services they have to offer, according to Stuart Hamilton, Head of Libraries Development at the Local Government Management Agency. (LGMA)

“Some may be pleasantly surprised to learn that library fees were abolished in January 2019 and all previous fines were removed,” he said. 

“This means that you can return to your library with a clean slate – even if you forgot to return that last book.

“Libraries have hundreds of books and reading resources across people’s interests to bring great pleasure to people in today’s busy world.  Librarians are on-hand to assist you in finding reading for your enjoyment and support you in developing a healthy habit that is reading. 

“Also, people are always delighted to learn about Borrowbox - your library collection and services in one app. It allows you can delve into ebooks and audiobooks - as well as a selection of e-magazines and e-newspapers - free of charge,” he said.

There is also a wide variety of eEducation options available at your fingertips through the eLibrary, including language courses.

From your first job search to a career change or support after time out of the professional world, your library can help. 

Users can also access a range of services, including career advice, employment research support and tips on how to prepare for an interview or write a job application. 

The event takes place from 3pm on Saturday, February 28.

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For reading recommendations and to see a list of events taking place in libraries in Laois and across the country, visit www.irelandreads.ie.

Led by Libraries Ireland, the campaign is an initiative of the Government of Ireland and is part of the Healthy Ireland programme.