Libraries Ireland have launched their annual Summer Stars reading programme, but this time, it's gone digital.

The annual summer reading programme aims to encourage children to keep up with their reading over the summer holidays. Usually, that involves going to your local library to sign up and physically borrowing books throughout the summer, while keeping track of the books that are read.

This summer, with social distancing measures in place and a gradual phased reopening of libraries planned, the Summer Stars programme has been moved online.

How does it work?

Participants will have access to eAudio and eBooks through an app called BorrowBox. This is a free app that can be accessed by any library member. Through this app, children have access to thousands of books.

Other upcoming features of the digital Summer Stars reading programme include online storytime, which will be read out by library staff and local authors and made available on local library's social media feeds and on the Summer Stars website and a story competition entitled An Unexpected Adventure. This competition will take place from 1 July to 31 August with three age categories and prizes for winners and runners up.

Participants can keep track of the books they've read online as well as upload reviews of the books, which can be shared on the Summer Stars website for other participants to read.

The Summer Stars Reading Adventure is an element of the Right to Read initiative, which is co-ordinated at national level by the Right to Read Steering Group, chaired by the Department of Rural and Community Development. To sign up, contact your local library.