TO commemorate the centenary of the 1916 Rising, Clare County Library has developed book promotions on the theme for both children and adults.
More than 800 books have been published on the subject, with almost 500 currently in print. The two reading promotions feature selections of the best of the currently available books on the Rising.
The adult books selected are non-fiction and include general introductions, biographies of the individual leaders, first-hand accounts of particular battles, details of the rebellion in particular parts of the country and accounts of the civilian experience of the insurrection.
Historical fiction is the perfect way for young people to get inside the skins of children of the same age from other times and give them a real understanding of major events in the past. The collection of books specifically chosen for children and teenagers will introduce them to, and immerse them in, one of the most important events to ever happen in our country’s history, the Easter Rising of 1916.
Leaflets have been produced giving a brief introduction to each of the chosen books and multiple copies of each book will be available for borrowing in the library. The reading promotions are currently on display in the De Valera Library in Ennis from where they will travel to other branches throughout the county during the year.
“We hope that these books will enhance readers understanding of the Rising and assist them in engaging with the events planned throughout County Clare to mark the centenary,” said a library spokesperson.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.