Michelle O’Neil pays a visit to Cookstown Library

The deputy first minister paid a visit to Cookstown Library today to help mark Book Week NI.

Michelle O’Neil MLA met with local school pupils as well as representatives of Libraries NI and the BBC, who are jointly running the initiative.

Book Week NI celebrates the pleasures and benefits of reading and the role that libraries play in community life.

Ms O’Neill said, “We all know how valuable our libraries are, particularly in rural areas where they play such an important role in communities. They are a place where people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities can come and make use of their many services.

“Book Week is all about the joy of reading – the pleasure it gives, the learning it brings and the impact it has on our lives. Reading can bring great comfort and enjoyment on an individual level, but it can also help to bring people together, connecting so many of us through shared experiences.

The overall theme of Book Week 2021 is ‘Read All About It!’ and there’ll be a different focus for each day – from children’s books and fiction to current affairs and poetry.

The Mid Ulster MLA added, “So whether it’s your first book or you’re a seasoned reader, let’s all get the pages turning in Book Week.”