Beyond the Book, Kildare’s Young Readers Festival, takes place from 15th to the 29th
May 2021, and for a second year running, all events take place online. The festival aims
to encourage reading and a love of literature through fun events and activities that go Beyond the Book!
The schools programme for 2021 features Bex Shelford (Be an Irish Explorer), Muireann Ni Chiobhain (Scúnc agus SmúirÃn), Helen Corcoran (Queen of Coin and Whispers), Jarleth Gregory (What Love Looks Like) and Louise Shanagher (Kindfully Me). Teachers, please contact your local library branch to enquire about events for schools.
All events are free of charge, to book an event you will need to include your library card number. If you are not a member of the library you can join for free by following this link https://lgma.iii.com/selfreg
An adult must always be present when children are attending live shows.
Beyond the Book Events May 2021
Draw a Map with Scout, presented by author and illustrator Jennifer Farley
Saturday 15 May 2.30pm
Let’s draw our own maps and bring Scout on another adventure. Let’s visit a treasure
island with mountains, volcanos, a Skull Cave and more! Inspired by Jennifer’s new book
‘Scout’s Best Day Ever!’
Suitable for ages 4+ Booking via Eventbrite: https://yrfdrawamapwithscout.eventbrite.ie
Writing Workshops with Kieran Fanning ‘Irish Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends’
Teacher and author, Kieran Fanning, talks about writing and storytelling, as well as reading tales from his recent book, Irish Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends, which features ancient myths about the Tuatha Dé Danann, legends about Cúchulainn and Fionn Mac Cumhaill, as well as familiar and lesser-known fairy tales from Ireland’s rich folklore. Suitable for 8-12 years
Booking via Eventbrite
Saturday 15 May 12pm: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/150750774625
Saturday 15 May 1.30pm: https://yrfkieranfanningcelbridge.eventbrite.ie
Follow the Yellow Brick Road! with Athy Library
Tuesday 18th May 4pm
Suitable for children aged 8-12 via Zoom. Join the staff of Athy Library as we, “Follow the Yellow Brick Road”, to celebrate what was the birthday of L. Frank Baum, creator of The Wonderful
Wizard of Oz! Dress up as your favourite character and listen to an excerpt from L Frank Baum’s classic novel. Enjoy some fun quizzes and interactive games!
Booking via Eventbrite:https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/follow-the-yellow-brick-road-with-athy-library-tickets-151664666099
The Kildare Detective Society with Celbridge Library
Wednesday 19th May 4pm
Suitable for children aged 8-12 via Zoom. This interactive Zoom workshop is perfect for 8-12-year olds who are fans of Robin Stevens’ book series A Murder Most Unladylike. Participants are encouraged to dress up as their favourite characters from the books for this fun event. We will discuss our favourite characters, the best moments in the books, and we might even solve a murder of our own as the newest murder mystery club in town! Please bring a pen or pencil and some paper to this event.
Booking via Eventbrite: https://yrfkildaredetectivesociety.eventbrite.ie
Beyond the Book Harry Potter Quiz with Newbridge Library
Friday 21st May at 3.30pm
Suitable for children aged 8-12 via Zoom. Attention all witches’ wizards, Kildare Libraries is
hosting a magical quiz. We will be testing your knowledge on all things about the wizarding world of Harry Potter.
Booking via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/yrf-harry-potter-quiz-tickets-151693014891
Story Telling Sessions with Kieran Fanning ‘Irish Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends’
Teacher and author, Kieran Fanning, talks about writing and storytelling, as well as reading tales from his recent book, Irish Fairy Tales, Myths and Legends, which features ancient myths about the Tuatha Dé Danann, legends about Cúchulainn and Fionn Mac Cumhaill, as well as familiar and lesser-known fairy tales from Ireland’s rich folklore. Suitable for 8-12 years
Booking via Eventbrite
22 May 11am: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/kieran-fanning-irish-fairy-tales-myths-and-legends-storytelling-tickets-151032108101
22 May 12.30pm: https://kieranfanning_naas_yrf.eventbrite.ie
Paint your own Faraway Tree
In this pre-recorded video, Craig from Naas Library will show you how to paint your very own “Farwaway Tree†based on Enid Blyton’s series of books, where Joe, Beth and Frannie climb the tree, make new friends and travel to magical lands such as “The Land of Dreams†and “The Land of Treats,†for fun and exciting adventures. Suitable for ages 6 +
Watch any time: https://vimeo.com/540650657
Books in The Attic
Tuesday 25 May 6:30pm
Take a trip down memory lane with Michelle from Athy Library. For children and teens from 11 years upwards.Listen to our storyteller Michelle reminisce about the books she read at school and compare them to nowadays! Take a look at history through the stories and poems of the generations!
Booking via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/books-in-the-attic-take-a-trip-down-memory-lane-tickets-153813455185
Amazing Animals in the Sea Storytime with Celbridge Library
Wednesday 26 May 3:30pm
Suitable for children aged 4 – 7 years old In this interactive Zoom workshop, we’ll learn all about the amazing creatures in our seas all around the world. We’ll discuss our favourite sea animals with each other and draw some whacky sea creatures. Aideen will also read a sea inspired story in this event. Please bring a pencil and some paper.
Booking via Eventbrite: https://yrfamazinganimalsinseastorytime.eventbrite.ie
Jokers: Writing and Drawing Workshop Based on the Comedy
of David Walliams and Jeff Kinney, presented by Maynooth Library
Friday 28th May 4:00pm
Suitable for children aged 7+ Niamh in Maynooth Library will host a special YBF creative writing and drawing workshop for fans of David Walliams and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series. Participants will draw and flesh out their own World’s Worst Children and/or Wimpy Kids before writing a story based around a prank or joke item that causes a conflict, but inevitably resolves into a friendship.Niamh has volunteered with Fighting Words for many years and runs the Creative Writing Group for Teens in Kildare Libraries.
Booking via Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.ie/e/yrf-jokers-writing-workshop-inspired-by-david-walliams-and-wimpy-kid-tickets-151648509775
We hope you will find some fun events and activities to enjoy during the Kildare Libraries Beyond The Book Young Reader’s Festival. Remember under the Government’s Keep Well Campaign – Switching off and being creative or learning something new, getting back to nature, and finding ways to relax can help our general wellbeing. For more information check out our blog posts here and here or take a look at the Kildare County Council’s Keep Well page for the latest activities to help you Keep Well.
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