Several hotels in County Galway will be giving away books next week to celebrate World Book Night.
Guests staying at the Abbeyglen Castle Hotel, Ballynahinch Castle Hotel, Delphi Lodge, Lough Inagh Lodge Hotel and Ross Lake House Hotel on Thursday April 23 will find a copy of Roddy Doyle’s Dead Man Talking under their pillow. The book will be accompanied by a note asking them to help the book go on a journey of its own by passing it on to someone else who will, in turn, pass it on themselves. Copies will also be left in hotel staff rooms, at reception and in bars and lounges for people to pick up, read and pass on.
The hotels are part of Manor House Hotels, Ireland’s largest group of independently owned manor house and castle hotels, which is the official partner of World Book Night in Ireland.
Manor House Hotels’ brand chairperson, Máire O’Connor of Lough Inagh Lodge, says books are wonderful things.
“They can help you learn and help you relax. They can transport you to places you have never been to, and introduce you to new people every time you turn the page.
“As hoteliers, we know that a great many of our guests do not have the time to read on a regular basis and some may not have picked up a book in more than a year which makes our properties, many of which are in beautiful countryside locations, the ideal setting to enjoy a good read.
“Equally, many people who live close to our hotels do not have easy access to a library or bookshop. This is particularly challenging for older people who may not not be able to travel to the larger towns and cities or be able to purchase or read books online, which is why we will also be giving books away to locals who would like to pop in on April 23.
“Some of our properties will also be holding special World Book Night events to which locals and guest alike are invited. Others will be gifting books to local schools, nursing homes and community groups.”
