Summer Stars Reading Programme

Summer Stars, the national children’s reading programme run through Ireland’s public libraries, is in its final month across County Longford this year, continuing right through until 31 August 2026 at all six branches. Children who join set their own reading goals and receive a free activity book, a seeded bookmark and Summer Stars stickers as they work through them, alongside a full calendar of free events at their local library. For families with children on school holidays looking for something to do that does not cost anything, it is one of the busiest points in the library year.

What to expect

The programme runs across Longford’s six library branches, Longford Town, Ballymahon, Drumlish, Edgeworthstown, Granard and Lanesborough, with story times, puppet shows, music workshops and craft activities scheduled through July and August. Each month carries its own prize draw for children who complete their reading goals: June’s prize was a Lough Ree Access for All boat trip, July’s was cinema tickets, and August’s closing prize is family tickets to a bowling alley. Every child who registers is also entered into a final county-wide draw for a bike or a tablet at the end of the summer. Longford Libraries have also put together a dedicated Summer Stars collection of eBooks and audiobooks on the BorrowBox app, so the reading challenge continues even on days a family cannot get to a branch in person. The scheme is aimed at primary-school-age children but younger siblings are always welcome at the events themselves.

Getting there

The six branches are spread across the county in Longford Town, Ballymahon, Drumlish, Edgeworthstown, Granard and Lanesborough, so most families are within a short drive of one. Opening hours vary by branch; check longfordlibrary.ie before travelling to confirm a branch is open.

While you’re in Co. Longford

With six branches running their own take on Summer Stars, it is worth checking events at whichever library is closest, whether that is Longford, Ballymahon, Granard or another branch. There is more to see across Co. Longford.

Good to know

• Runs until Sunday, 31 August 2026, across all six Longford library branches
• Free to join; pick up an activity book and bookmark at any branch
• August prize: family tickets to a bowling alley; final county draw for a bike or a tablet
• Follow Longford Libraries’ social media for each branch’s specific event days and times
• Summer Stars eBooks and audiobooks are available on the BorrowBox app