One book, one community (Tullamore and Clara)
Bringing families and communities together through shared reading
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The project partners were
Offaly integrated local development
Laois and Offaly Education and Training Board (LOETB)
Offaly library service
Home school community liaisons in Tullamore and Clara
Tullamore family resource centre
Clara family resource centre
St Mary’s youth and community centre
About this project
This project promoted literacy through shared reading experiences for all ages, with a particular focus on adults with unmet literacy needs.
The three-week, community-wide literacy initiative took place across the Offaly towns of Clara and Tullamore.
A programme of events ran from 29 September to 17 October, with all activities inspired by the book The Summer I Robbed a Bank by David O’Doherty.
More about this project
The project was officially launched at a community event in Esker Arts Centre, Tullamore. It brought together schools, partner organisations, and community members.
Activities centred on the shared reading of The Summer I Robbed a Bank by David O’Doherty. This humerous novel was chosen for its accessibility and themes of family, friendship and community.
Students in sixth class primary and first year secondary in 11 schools received the book to read in school and at home.
Events included
family walks,
a scavenger hunt,
cookery workshops,
parent and toddler sessions,
adult book clubs,
art and writing workshops,
library outreach sessions, and
open mornings.
The Art of Us, a community project, invited people of all ages to share artwork, writing and photography. Submissions were exhibited in Clara library.
The project fostered connection, creativity, and a shared culture of reading across generations.