Monaghan County Council Library Service has officially launched this year’s One Book One County shared reading initiative for schools, featuring Under the Hawthorn Tree by acclaimed Irish author Marita Conlon-McKenna. The programme, aimed primarily at pupils in 5th and 6th class primary schools and 1st Year secondary schools across County Monaghan, encourages young people to read, reflect and engage with a shared book experience.
The official launch took place on Thursday, 23 October, at the Ulster American Folk Park, in partnership with the Park’s new exhibition of Under the Hawthorn Tree exploring themes of emigration, heritage and Irish history. The venue provided a fitting backdrop for this year’s selected title, which follows the story of three siblings navigating the hardships of the Great Famine.
Through a series of reading activities, classroom discussions, workshops and cultural engagements, students will have the opportunity to explore the historical and social themes presented in the novel while developing their literacy skills and appreciation of reading.
Speaking at the launch, Cathaoirleach Cllr. Aidan Campbell remarked ‘“We are delighted to support this year’s shared reading programme, which will enable young people across Monaghan to engage with Under the Hawthorn Tree in a meaningful and memorable way. I would like to commend the Monaghan Libraries team for successfully securing funding towards transport costs and workshops and for their excellent coordination of the programme with schools and the Ulster American Folk Park. Their work continues to create valuable opportunities for young people to discover the enjoyment of reading while connecting with our shared history and heritage.
Speaking about the initiative, Deirdriu McQuaid, County Librarian and Head of Cultural Services, said:
“Under the Hawthorn Tree remains one of the most powerful and enduring works of Irish children’s literature. Through this shared reading programme, young people across Monaghan will have the opportunity to connect with an important period in our history while experiencing the enjoyment that comes from reading and discussing a book together. We are delighted to work with schools and the Ulster American Folk Park to bring this story to life for a new generation of readers.”
The initiative forms part of Monaghan Libraries’ ongoing commitment to fostering a love of reading among children and young people while supporting curriculum-linked learning through literature and cultural engagement. The programme is supported through funding received under the Department of Culture, Communications and Sport Commemorations Programme, which has enabled participating schools to avail of transport assistance and educational workshops linked to the initiative.