PICTURES: Bestselling author visits Portlaoise school for launch of summer reading challenge

Pupils from Holy Family Senior School in Portlaoise helped launch Summer Stars 2026 with Laois County Library Service. Summer Stars is the free national reading programme for children that takes place in all public libraries across Ireland during the summer holidays.

The official launch of this year’s challenge took place on Tuesday, June 9 with special guest, children’s author Shane Hegarty.

Shane joined Cathaoirleach Barry Walsh, County Librarian Bernie Foran, Senior Executive Librarian Suzanne Carroll, and Librarian Rachel Hoban (Portlaoise Library) for a visit to 3rd Class pupils from Holy Family Senior School where he spoke about the magic of storytelling, creativity and the importance of reading for pleasure.

Shane, author of the bestselling Darkmouth, Boot and The Shop of Impossible Ice Creams series, encouraged pupils to explore new books and take part in the Summer Stars challenge this year.

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When launching Summer Stars, Cathaoirleach of Laois County Council, Cllr Barry Walsh spoke of his own favourite authors as a child and the power of reading to transport us to new places and experiences.

Summer Stars is designed to help children maintain and develop their reading skills during the school holidays while discovering the fun and freedom of choosing their own books. Reading over the summer helps build confidence, sparks imagination and keeps young minds active and curious, and Summer Stars makes it all exciting and rewarding.

“We know that reading benefits children’s education, their well-being and their social development. It also adds so much richness and fun to their lives.” said County Librarian, Bernie Foran, “We are delighted to offer all our reading services for free so that nobody need miss out.”

Children can read books, graphic novels, audiobooks, eBooks or picture books, all at their own pace, while taking part in free library events and activities throughout the summer.

Summer Stars runs until August 31, 2026 and is open to children up to 12 years. Children can register at any Laois library branch and take on the challenge of reading 8 books over the summer. Every child who registers will receive a Summer Stars activity pack, while those who complete the challenge will receive a certificate and medal and be entered into a branch-level prize draw. Children who read 16 books and complete the Super Star Reading Challenge will be entered into a county-wide prize draw, with prizes including an Emerald Park Family Pass, a Roll & Bowl Voucher and a Castleview Open Farm Voucher.

There are also lots of free Summer Stars events and activities taking place across all Laois library branches throughout June, July and August. Booking for events opens two weeks before each event takes place and can be made by contacting your local branch. Check out our full list of events at: https://laois.ie/libraries/reading-and-literacy/right-to-read-programme. Joining the challenge and attending events is completely free.