Libraries are inviting people across Northern Ireland to get involved in the One Book Project by reading the same book, ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’ by John Boyne.
The official launch of the Northern Ireland One Book Project took place in Finaghy Library (outside Belfast) on Wednesday 3rd October and the Lord Mayor of Belfast, Councillor Jim Rodgers, welcomed a host of dignitaries to the event, including the book’s author, John Boyne and Edwin Poots (Minister for the Department of Culture, Arts and Leisure).
People of all ages (from children to senior citizens), schools, community groups and celebrities have been getting involved in the project, which will run until April 2008.
To date, over 100 post-primary schools from across Northern Ireland have agreed to read the book and hold discussions and activities based on the themes of the book. Reading Groups in NI libraries are also taking part in the project – and there are a range of events, activities and talks planned locally to encourage people to get involved.
Representatives from a number of schools across Northern Ireland were invited along to the official launch of the One Book Project. These included pupils from the Drama Club at St Joseph’s College (Belfast) who performed a piece based on the theme of ‘The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas’, while Jonathon Marks, a pupil at Bangor Academy gave a poetry reading on the holocaust and an impressive backdrop display was created by members of the Art Club at Ulidia College Carrickfergus.
To support the official launch, an evening event was also held in Lisburn Library, which was attended by members of the public, who enjoyed a talk, followed by a question and answer session with John Boyne (author).
The public are asked to keep an eye out in the local press, check out the website at www.ni-libraries.net/onebookproject or ask at a local library on how to get involved in the One Book Project!
A copy of this book can be borrowed for free in all local libraries and mobile libraries or a copy can be reserved at www.ni-libraries.net
