Carlow Libraries Summer Reading Challenge 2026

Every summer, Carlow County Library hands children aged 4 to 12 a simple, compelling challenge: read books, collect stickers, and earn a gold medal before September. The programme - known nationally as Summer Stars - is free to join and runs right through the school holidays, making it one of the most worthwhile things a family can do in Carlow over the long summer break. It suits early readers who need the encouragement to pick up a book as much as confident readers who just want somewhere to direct their enthusiasm.

What to expect

When a child registers at any branch, they receive a Summer Stars bag, an activity booklet, and a bookmark with eight Book Monster sticker slots to fill. Every book read earns a sticker - whether that is a picture book, a graphic novel, an audiobook, or a chapter book entirely up to the child. Collect all eight stickers and the reward is a gold medal and entry into a local draw.

The reading is self-paced, but the library layers in live events throughout July and August - storytelling sessions, author visits, craft workshops, and creative writing activities. Libraries Ireland also runs digital storytimes online so children can take part from home on quieter weeks. The 2026 programme runs 2 June to 31 August, with Carlow branches open to registrations from late June.

Children must be library members to join, but library membership in Carlow is free and takes minutes to arrange at the desk.

Getting there

Carlow Town Library sits on Tullow Street in the centre of Carlow Town. The town is well served by Bus Eireann and Dublin Coach from Dublin, and the main Carlow railway station is a short walk from Tullow Street on Station Road. If you are driving, town-centre car parks are a short walk from the library.

The programme also runs at branch libraries in Tullow, Bagenalstown (Muinebheag), and Borris, so families across the county can take part without travelling to the main branch.

While you’re in Carlow

Carlow Town is a compact place to spend an afternoon - the medieval tower of St Mary’s Church, the Barrow towpath, and Carlow Castle ruins are all close to the library. There is more to see in Carlow and across Co. Carlow.

Good to know

• Dates: 1 July - 29 August 2026 (registration from late June; national programme open from 2 June)
• Price: Free
• Membership: Library membership required - also free; sign up at the desk
• Branches: Carlow Town (Tullow Street), Tullow, Bagenalstown, Borris
• Check for events: carlow.ie/libraries or follow Carlow County Library on social media for workshop dates
• Contact: library@carlowcoco.ie / 059 912 9705