The Ballad Of Reading Goals

Tom Fortune and the 67 bright sparks…

atest press release from Greystones Library, issued on Friday, May 9th 2025…

A total of 67 sixth-class pupils from Kilcoole Primary School have been named Reading Goals Ambassadors following their participation in the Greystones Library UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Book Club.

The students were recognised at a special awards ceremony held at the school on Friday, 2nd May.

The Reading Goals Book Club, launched in February 2021 by Greystones Library, features a curated collection of fiction, non-fiction, graphic novels, and short stories—all thematically linked to the United Nations SDGs. This marks the first time the program has been implemented in a school setting.

Each pupil has pledged to continue their efforts toward achieving the 17 Sustainable Development Goals, which are part of the UN’s global agenda for a more equitable and sustainable future by 2030.

Cllr. Tom Fortune, Cathaoirleach of Greystones Municipal District, praised the initiative, stating: “This is a remarkable achievement for Greystones Library, Kilcoole Primary School, and the wonderful students who have connected with the Goals in such a creative and meaningful way. The journey toward achieving the Goals by 2030 has just received a significant boost. This marks another milestone for Kilcoole’s youth, following the Community Climate Action’s hosting of the inaugural Youth Climate Conference two years ago, and now with the primary school proudly introducing 67 new Reading Ambassadors.”

Emer O’Gorman, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council, commented: “This milestone stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, literacy and youth engagement in global citizenship. Through their reading and reflection, the students have developed a deep awareness of the SDGs and have pledged to continue striving toward their achievement by 2030.”

Margaret Birchall, County Librarian, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative: “This collaboration between Wicklow Libraries and primary schools supports our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals, as outlined in our National Library Strategy, The Library is the Place 2022. Through their extensive reading, the children of Kilcoole have not only deepened their understanding of each Goal but have also formed a lifelong partnership for the Goals — especially Goal #17 —with Wicklow Libraries.”

The Reading Goals UN SDG Book Club continues at Greystones Library, and new members from 4th class and up are always welcome.

Kilcoole Primary School will carry the program forward, and other schools are invited to participate in this growing initiative.