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 North-East area launch of the One Book Project took place in Carrickfergus Library on Tuesday 13th November and was attended by the NEELB Chairman, Mr Roy Beggs, along with a host of other dignitaries, including representatives from the Department of Education, the Polish community and local schools, all of whom have shown support for the project.
The project was launched by Anne Connolly, Director of Library and Corporate Services (NEELB), who welcomed the guest speaker, Lisa Leopold, an Auschwitz tour guide, who shared her harrowing knowledge of the concentrations camps and details of the Holocaust exhibition with those attending the launch.
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.
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 local 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 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 pupils from Carrickfergus College gave poetry readings on the theme of the holocaust. The impressive backdrop display was created by members of the Art Club at Ulidia College Carrickfergus.
Lucy Finney, one of the NEELB representatives on the One Book Project team, which is represented by staff from all five NI Education and Library Boards, explains:“Not only are we encouraging as many people as possible to call into their library and borrow a copy of the book to read but through this project, we hope to raise awareness of the role of libraries and reading in addressing controversial issues highlighted in this book, such as social exclusion and bigotry.”
Members of the public are asked to keep an eye out in the local press, check out www.ni-libraries.net/onebookproject or ask at any library on how to get involved in the One Book Project!
A copy of this book can be borrowed for free in all local and mobile libraries or a copy can be reserved at www.ni-libraries.net
