30 free books to help get kids into reading

Sat, 06 Sep, 2025 - 07:10

The Arts Council is proud to announce the return of Read Mór, its annual book-gifting initiative that celebrates Irish literature and promotes wellbeing through the joy of reading.

As part of Culture Night 2025, Read Mór will see 30 free books by Irish and Irish-based authors gifted to young people across Ireland through a new partnership with Jigsaw: The National Centre for Youth Mental Health.

Now in its fourth year, Read Mór was created to extend the spirit of Culture Night to those who may be unable to attend in-person events. The initiative champions Irish writing while recognising the proven benefits of reading for mental health, emotional wellbeing, and social connection.

This year, Read Mór events will take place in six Jigsaw centres nationwide on Culture Night, Friday, September 19, giving young people the opportunity to connect, explore books, and celebrate reading in a welcoming environment.

The event in Cork will take place at Unit 8, South Bank, Crosse’s Green, Wandesford Quay, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm.

Maura McGrath, Chair of the Arts Council, said: “With Read Mór, we’re not only celebrating Irish literature - we’re also promoting inclusion, connection, and creativity. Reading has well-documented benefits for mental health, and this year’s partnership with Jigsaw allows us to reach more young people and highlight the important role arts and culture can play in supporting emotional wellbeing.”

Edel Connolly, a Youth Advocate with Jigsaw, said: “It’s fantastic having young people involved with Read Mór this year. As a young person, I think it’s so important to encourage other young people to pick up reading as a hobby for their mental wellbeing.

“Reading is such an amazing way to get lost in a fictional world where your worries don’t exist and to inspire young people to express themselves in a healthy and creative way.”

Dr Joseph Duffy, CEO at Jigsaw said: “Everyone at Jigsaw is really excited to partner with the Arts Council for Read Mór 2025. So many elements of Read Mór reflect our work with young people in our 14 youth mental health services across Ireland; connection, learning, imagination and more.

“Any initiative that seeks to promote reading is therefore hugely important in promoting overall wellbeing among our young people, and we are delighted to involved.”

Read Mór was launched by the Arts Council in 2022, and the books gifted as part of it are all by Irish or Irish-based authors and selected in consultation with literature experts.

The Arts Council also acknowledges the support of Children’s Books Ireland, whose expertise and guidance help ensure a diverse and engaging selection of books for young readers.

For more information about Culture Night 2025 on Friday, September 19, see https://culturenight.ie

The event aims to celebrate all that makes up the richness and diversity of culture in Ireland today, connecting people to cultural activities locally and nationally, and aims to open up pathways to ongoing engagement.

It celebrates culture, creativity and the arts and seeks to actively promote the belief that this rich and varied culture is alive, treasured and nurtured in people’s lives, today and every day.

Special and unique events and workshops are specifically programmed at participating locations and, thanks to the continued support of the Arts Council and local authorities across the island of Ireland, all activities are made available to the public free of charge.

About Jigsaw

Jigsaw, the National Centre for Youth Mental Health is a leading Irish charity dedicated to supporting the mental health and wellbeing of young people aged 12-25. It offers free, confidential mental health support services across Ireland, as well as expert advice, resources, and community-based initiatives.

Through partnerships, advocacy, and evidence-based programmes, Jigsaw works to ensure every young person in Ireland has access to the mental health support they need.

The 30 books selected for Read Mór in 2025 are:

Why the moon travels, Oein DeBhairduin

Fixing Mum and Dad, Sinead Moriarty

Stealing Happy, Brian Conaghan

Wintour’s Game, Brían Dungan

Dialann Emily Porter: An Jailtacht, Richie Conroy & Don Conroy (Illustrator)

The Brightest Star, Meg Grehan

Bláth Fiáin, Meadhbh Ní Eadhra

A Fix of Light, Kel Menton

Solo, Gráinne O’Brien

Skipshock, Caroline O’Donoghue

Where the Heart Should Be, Sarah Crossan