To celebrate World Book Day which took place last week, a collection point for the Delvin Book Fair was placed at the reception of Belvedere House Visitor Centre. The book fair will take place over the May Bank Holiday weekend and proceeds from this community project will go to the Delvin Sports and Leisure Centre.
Rhona Rogers of Westmeath Tourism says she is delighted to assist in promoting the event. “Westmeath has a great literary history and it is wonderful to have this event in North Westmeath which will celebrate that history. The book fair will appeal to all age groups and offer a variety of activities. Alongside the main book fair there will be a childrens’ book fair, readings by local authors, an art exhibition, and food fair.”
Ms Rogers continued, “The collection point is availablethroughout the opening times of Belvedere which are now extended for the summer season. Last entry to the grounds is 6pm. Books can be donated up to mid April and will then be catalogued for the book fair. It’s a great incentive to de-clutter your house and make room for more great books you can pick up at the book fair itself!”
Organisers Paul Carolan and Michael Murphy are very excited about the book fair and hope it will be the largest book fair in the Midlands and that it will become an annual event. In excess of 20,000 books will be collected. “We have had a great response with book donations already and people can continue to help by donating any books they have lying about the house or workplace” says Paul. “We are particularly looking forward to a public reading of The Valley of the Squinting Windows in Delvin after 92 years!” added Michael.
