Over 2,000 books for children in direct provision and emergency accommodation this Christmas
Olivia Kelleher
Over 2,000 books are being distributed to children in need this Christmas, including those living in emergency accommodation and direct provision, as part of an initiative by Children’s Books Ireland.
The national charity is partnering with community groups and organisations to ensure that books reach children in time for Christmas.
Charities involved in the initiative include Solas Project, Novas, Barnardos, the Society of St Vincent de Paul, and New Horizon Refugee Support.
Titles being distributed include “Let’s Play Rugby” by Gordon D’Arcy and Paul Howard, “Letters to a Monster” by Patricia Forde and and “Solo” by Gráinne O’Brien.
The charity distributes books to children throughout the year. CEO of Children’s Book Ireland Elaina Ryan says books have become a luxury items for many families. She is urging the public to support their work.
“Books are essential for every child. Your donation, however small, will change a child’s life. Children who read experience higher levels of mental wellbeing, self-esteem and empathy. When children see themselves and their experiences in the story that they’re reading, they feel less alone.”
Meanwhile, the benefits of reading throughout childhood are well-documented. Dr Emer Smyth’s recent study, “Arts and Cultural Participation among Children and Young People” found that socio-emotional difficulties at age five were less common among children whose parents read to them regularly at age three, even after accounting for initial levels of emotional wellbeing.
The 2024 study also found these benefits extend into later childhood with children aged 9-13 who read for enjoyment more frequently achieving higher levels in reading and maths. They were also found to be happier, more self-confident as learners, and experience fewer socio-emotional difficulties.
A Children’s Books Ireland’s study this year indicated that more than one in five children under the age of four are not being read to by parents or guardians. The report also highlighted a significant and worrying decline in book ownership among children of all ages since 2023.
Donations can be made to the charity at childrensbooksireland.ie
