Monaghan County Council Library Service is delighted to announce the launch of Monaghan X Moomin, an exciting new cultural initiative celebrating the much-loved Moomin characters.
The project has emerged from the special twinning relationship established between Monaghan and Finland as part of Finland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, creating a unique opportunity to strengthen cultural ties, foster creativity, and celebrate shared European values.
The Moomin, created by Finnish author and artist Tove Jansson, are internationally recognised symbols of imagination, adventure, inclusivity and community. Through Monaghan X Moomin, local communities, families, schools and visitors will have the opportunity to engage with a programme of events and activities inspired by the beloved Finnish characters.
Speaking about the initiative, Karen Mc Cague, Executive Librarian with Monaghan County Libraries said:
“Public libraries are places where everyone belongs, where imagination is nurtured, and where communities come together through stories and learning. These are values that resonate strongly with the world of the Moomins. Tove Jansson’s characters encourage empathy, curiosity, resilience and an appreciation of difference—qualities that libraries seek to foster every day. We are delighted to bring this unique cultural partnership to Monaghan and to share the magic of the Moomin with readers and families across the county.”
The partnership highlights Monaghan’s ongoing commitment to international collaboration and cultural engagement, while bringing a world-famous element of Finnish heritage to audiences across the county. Monaghan County Libraries have recently collaborated with colleagues from Finland, Slovenia and Italy to deliver the FUTU4U Democratic literacy project.
The programme launched as part of National Play Day featuring a range of family-friendly experiences designed to encourage creativity, learning and cultural discovery. An exhibition showcasing the characters, their Moominvalley home and their stories is currently running in Monaghan, Carrickmacross, Clones & Castleblayney libraries.
Further details on the Monaghan X Moomins programme will be announced in the coming weeks.