Portlaoise prisoners to get free books for Culture Night

Prisoners in Portlaoise Prison will be given free books as part of an initiative by The Arts Council to celebrate Culture Night. 

Read Mór, a book gifting initiative, is now in its third year and will see prisoners across 13 prisons in Ireland receiving books by 30 Irish authors. 

Portlaoise Prison will be hosting an event featuring a reading by participating author Pat Sheedy. 

The idea is to ensure the Culture Night experience continues to include those who cannot otherwise participate. 

Maureen Kennelly, Director of the Arts Council, said: "I am thrilled that the Arts Council is collaborating with the Irish Prison Service for this year’s instalment of the Read Mór initiative, spanning 13 prisons in Ireland.  We know that access to literature can be a powerful tool for personal growth. By fostering a love for reading, we aim to empower prisoners with the knowledge and inspiration that can open new paths in their lives.  This programme underscores our commitment to making the arts accessible to everyone, regardless of their circumstances." 

Caron McCaffrey, Director General of the Irish Prison Service, said: “Reading has always been a popular pastime in prisons. For those with poor literacy skills it can also be a challenge, but our education units do incredible work to enable those in our care to begin to enjoy reading. This brilliant partnership with the Arts Council is yet another chapter in their story, as they will have access to a catalogue of new books from which to choose from so they too can take part in Culture night.”