Hop On and Dive Into Books: Celebrate Book Week on Buses and Trains!

In Northern Ireland, bus and train passengers are being encouraged to spend their travel time reading or listening to books instead of scrolling through social media. This initiative is part of Book Week, which is now in its 10th year and is organized by BBC Northern Ireland and Libraries NI. The goal is to celebrate books, reading, and libraries, and to remind people of the benefits that reading can bring to their lives.

Translink, the public transport provider, is supporting Book Week by urging passengers to make the most of their journeys. Jacqui Kennedy, Translink's chief people officer, says that reading is good for wellbeing and can help relieve stress. She believes that travel time is a perfect opportunity to read a few pages or listen to an audiobook, helping people rediscover the joy of reading. Well-known broadcasters such as Father Brian D'Arcy, Suzi Lee, and William Crawley have shared their book recommendations, and weather presenters Cecilia Daly and Ali Totten have also offered their suggestions.

To mark Book Week, several special events are planned. A mobile library will be available at Translink's North West Transport Hub, and a reading group event will take place at Belfast's Grand Central Station on Wednesday, which is also Love Your Library Day. The BBC has commissioned a new archive exhibition about the life and work of poet Louis MacNeice, which will tour regional libraries. Additionally, a new BBC comedy drama series, narrated by Julia Roberts and based on Rónán Hession's acclaimed novel, will be broadcast to coincide with Book Week.

Libraries NI has organized a program of events, including conversations with well-known local authors such as Wendy Erskine, Glenn Patterson, and Elly Griffiths. Dr Jim O'Hagan, chief executive at Libraries NI, says that Book Week is for everyone, including children, families, teenagers, students, retired people, and those working from home. He encourages people to take just 15 minutes to read, saying it can start a new chapter in their lives.

A list of events and more details about times and venues can be found online, along with downloadable resources for children and young people, such as posters and bookmarks. Jenni Doherty, owner of Little Acorns bookshop in Londonderry, describes reading as 'a workout for the brain. ' She believes that getting a library card is one of the best gifts parents can give their children, and she recalls always receiving books as gifts growing up. Doherty says that reading helps people relax, unwind, and expand their vocabulary, making it a great habit for everyone.

Book Week offers a wonderful opportunity for people of all ages to discover new books, enjoy reading, and connect with their local libraries. Whether you are traveling on public transport or relaxing at home, picking up a book can improve your mood, help you learn, and provide a welcome break from screens.