Roscommon Community College recently celebrated a remarkable milestone with the launch of its new library, a key moment in the school’s journey to foster a love of reading through the inspiring Everyone a Reader project. On September 12th, students and staff had the exciting opportunity to welcome Children’s Books Ireland to the school, an event filled with creative energy, literary passion, and a special guest: acclaimed author Clara Kumagai.
The day marked more than just a celebration—it was a showcase of the transformative power of reading. With cameras rolling, students and teachers shared their experiences with the Everyone a Reader project, providing personal insight into how this initiative has shaped their school community. A standout moment was a creative writing workshop led by Kumagai, where students received expert feedback on their short stories. This enriching experience was capped with the presentation of signed, special edition copies of Clara’s highly acclaimed novel, ‘Catfish Rolling’, making the event truly unforgettable.
The ‘Everyone a Reader’ initiative, led by Roscommon Community College in partnership with Children’s Books Ireland, has already left a lasting impact. Thanks to the generous donation of 250 new books, the school’s library has been revitalised, serving as a vibrant hub of imagination and learning. The project, however, extended far beyond bookshelves. It included a variety of enriching activities: engaging Bookish Challenges led by the student committee, stimulating writing workshops with Clara Kumagai, and educational sessions for parents and teachers aimed at promoting reading for pleasure.
Last year, the ‘Everyone a Reader’ student committee—comprised of Alice Fetherston, Claire Fetherston, Leah Gillooly, Caoimhe Mullarkey, Sophie Cox, Rebecca Trimble, Jason Kilcommons, Layla Mulvany Madden, and Alicia Nic an Bháird—helped make Literacy Week, a school-wide celebration of reading. Students and teachers alike dove into book-related competitions such as ‘Match the Shelfie to the Selfie,’ book reviews, and short story writing challenges inspired by beloved novels. Classrooms were transformed into literary worlds, with teachers decorating their doors with themes from literature. The highlight for many was World Book Day, where students and teachers showcased their creativity through costumes, bringing their favourite book characters to life. First-year students were especially thrilled with the free book tokens provided by local bookshop, Newsround, reinforcing the culture of reading within the community.
This student-led committee has played a crucial role in shaping the new library space. Their involvement has fostered a deep sense of ownership and pride, creating a collaborative and dynamic environment. As the academic year unfolds, they look forward to continuing their work, enhancing the library and its offerings for all students.
The Writing Workshops with Clara Kumagai were another key highlight of the project. Under Clara’s expert guidance, students explored their creative potential, building confidence and honing their storytelling abilities. These sessions became a much-anticipated part of the school week, with students eager to share their progress with peers.
The project also empowered students to actively participate in curating the library’s collection. Their selection process sparked lively debates and discussions, encouraging critical thinking as they considered diverse reading tastes and preferences. This sense of ownership over the library’s collection has further nurtured their engagement with literature.
Roscommon Community College has taken a monumental step forward in its mission to promote literacy and a lifelong love of reading. The School Library, now open each lunchtime, provides students with not only access to books but also a dedicated space for independent reading and literacy-enhancing games. The ‘Everyone a Reader’ student committee has taken on the role of ‘library assistants,’ eagerly contributing to the management of this new resource. Additionally, the school has implemented a digital library system, ensuring that reading remains an integral part of daily school life.
The success of the Everyone a Reader project is a testament to the dedication of Roscommon Community College’s students and staff, as well as the incredible support from Children’s Books Ireland. Special thanks go to Aoife McDonnell, book gifting manager with Children’s Books Ireland for her unwavering commitment and support throughout the project. This project represents a strong foundation for the future of literacy at RCC, and with the continued enthusiasm of its community, the school is poised to thrive as a centre of literary activity and inspiration. Congratulations to everyone involved, and here’s to the next chapter of reading and creativity at Roscommon Community College.
Caption 1: Captured are Precious John Omoru and Hazel O’ Leary enjoying ‘Everyone a Reader’ Library Launch with Children’s Books Ireland.
Main Image: Lights, Camera, Action! Sophie Cox, Caoimhe Mullarkey and Rebecca Trimble get set for an interview with Children’s Books Ireland.
