Summer at Sligo Stars Reading Programme

Every summer, Sligo County Libraries invites children to keep reading through the school holidays with Summer Stars - the free national reading programme run by Libraries Ireland as part of the Right to Read initiative. Running from 1 July to 31 August 2026, it is open at all Sligo library branches and costs nothing to join. If you have a child aged roughly 4 to 14 who loves books or who needs a gentle nudge to pick one up, this is a good reason to make the library a regular stop across the summer.

What to expect

Children sign up at their local branch, collect a reading card, and mark it each time they finish a book - picture books, graphic novels, audiobooks and e-books all count. The programme is non-competitive: every child who reads at least one book earns a certificate of participation. Libraries often run in-branch events alongside the main programme - storytimes, author visits, craft sessions - so it is worth checking the branch noticeboard or the Sligo Library social pages to see what is on locally. Children who are library members can also access the BorrowBox app for free e-books and audiobooks, which extends the reading beyond the building.

Sligo County Libraries has six permanent branches - Sligo Central on Stephen Street, Ballymote Community Library, Tubbercurry Community Library, Enniscrone Branch Library, plus Local Studies and the County Museum - so there is likely a location within easy reach wherever you are in the county. Check current opening hours at sligolibrary.ie before you go.

Getting there

Sligo town is well connected. From Dublin, the N4 runs direct and Bus Eireann operates regular coach services from Busaras (around two and a half hours). From Galway, the N17 brings you north through Tuam and Charlestown. Sligo train station on Lord Edward Street is served by Irish Rail from Dublin Connolly, with several services daily. Parking in the town centre is metered; the Quay Street and Kennedy Parade car parks are close to the Central Library on Stephen Street.

While you’re in Sligo

A library visit pairs well with a walk along the Garavogue River or a trip out to Strandhill beach, which is just ten minutes west of town. There is more to see in Sligo and across Co. Sligo.

Good to know

• Running 1 July - 31 August 2026; join any time during that period
• Free to join at any Sligo County Library branch
• Suitable for children aged approximately 4-14
• No minimum reading target - one book earns a completion certificate
• Check local events and branch hours at sligolibrary.ie or the Summer Stars national site at summerstars.ie
• Central Library: Stephen Street, Sligo (tel. 071 911 1675)