FIVE of the nine Cork schools to benefit from Children’s Books Ireland book-gifting programme are in West Cork.

Children’s Books Ireland launch has announced the next phase of their programme, which is aimed at inspiring a love of reading and increasing book ownership among children.

Over 3,500 children across 91 schools in Ireland will receive a free book from the giving programme, including 352 children in Cork.

Included in the latest round is Derrinacahara NS, Dunmanway; Scoil Chaitigheirn, Eyeries; Castlelack NS, Bandon; Holy Well NS, Carrigaline; and St Joseph’s Girls NS in Skibbereen

Every pupil in these schools will be given a free copy of The Brightest Star from author Meg Grehan, and illustrated by Nene Lonergan.

Since 2021, Children’s Books Ireland has donated more than 23,500 books to schoolchildren nationwide through funding from Enterprise Mobility’s ROAD Forward initiative.

The book-gifting programme helps enhance literacy skills in primary age students by giving more children better access to reading.

Elaina Ryan, ceo of Children’s Books Ireland, said: ‘Becoming a key partner of Enterprise Mobility’s ROAD Forward initiative has boosted our reach into communities where we are needed most. ‘We share a commitment to giving children a passion forreading through a varied selection of current, accessible and imaginative stories.

‘By introducing young readers to a wide range of Irish authors and illustrators, we hope these books will inspire, entertain and spark a love of reading that begins with a great book and lasts a lifetime.’