Book Clinics
Are you a young reader? Looking for a new series to delve into? Feeling uninspired by your bookshelves at home? Then pop along to the Book Clinic! These few sentences have been inviting young readers to the Children's Books Ireland Book Clinic since 2012. Since then the Book Doctors have met thousands of young readers around the country in need of a prescription for a new read.
Throughout the year Children's Books Ireland brings the Book Clinic around the country, working with many different partners in libraries, festivals and venues.
Parents/guardians and children are invited to drop in for an informal consultation with one of Children's Books Ireland’s friendly Book Doctors, who are ready to offer the best advice for young readers.
When the Book Doctor is ready to see a patient, the consultation begins with some questions about books the young reader previously enjoyed as well as activities, movies, tv shows and video games they enjoy. This lets the Book Doctor know a little bit more about the patient so they can write a book prescription, which is a personalised list of books recommended for the individual patient.
Every patient leaves the Book Clinic with a book prescription to take to their local library or bookshop to have filled. Please note that although we endeavour to operate each clinic on a drop-in basis, a waiting list may operate during busy periods on a first come first served basis.
The Book Clinic welcomes all families, and seeks to work to support children with differing needs including dyslexia, ADHD, autism, vision impairment and sight loss.
Additionally we now have our first Irish language Doctúir Leabhar on the team!
To organise a Book a Clinic in your community, email Aoife Murray, our Programme & Events Manager, at the link below.
Watch the Book Clinic in action!
Meet the Book Clinic team
The Children's Books Ireland Book Clinic team is made up of authors, librarians, academics and other book lovers. Outside of the Book Clinics, our team also edit sections and review for Inis magazine, Children's Books Ireland's annual reading guides, compile themed book lists and create content for the RTE Jr Book Club. Find out more about our Book Clinic team here.
Anne Sophie Blytmann, Book Clinic Administrator
Anne Sophie moved from Denmark to Ireland in 2018. She holds an MA in Literature and Publishing from the National University of Ireland, Galway. While writing her dissertation, Anne Sophie did a summer internship with Children's Books Ireland and continues to be involved as a Book Clinic Administrator. She lives in Dublin with her boyfriend and dog, Baloo, and works in publishing.
Vita Coleman, Book Doctor
Vita Coleman is a librarian with Wicklow County Council Library Service. She has worked as a section editor for the annual Children's Books Ireland reading guide, and is a regular reviewer for Inis magazine. She is particularly interested in illustrated books and graphic novels.
Ruth Concannon, Book Doctor
Ruth Concannon works as an Education Assistant at the National Library of Ireland and as Creative Engagement Coordinator at Dublin City Council Culture Company. A former bookseller, Ruth was also Reader in Residence for Dublin City Libraries and Dublin UNESCO. She holds an MA in Children's and Young Adult Literature from Dublin City University.
Claire Marie Dunne, Dochtúir Leabhar
Múineann Claire Gaeilge in Institiúid Oideachais Marino. Is breá léi leabhair Ghaeilge do pháistí agus bhí sí mar eagarthóir ar Rogha Leabhar le seacht mbliana anuas, mar aon le bheith ina heagarthóir Gaeilge ar Inis ó 2011-2014.
Louise Gallagher, Book Doctor
Louise Gallagher holds an M.Phil in Children's Literature where she was a Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholar at the School of English, Trinity College Dublin. She has worked as a section editor for Children's Books Ireland's annual reading guide and a regular contributor of reviews and articles to Inis magazine. She has previously worked as a Library Assistant with Kildare Library & Arts Service.
Anne Gannon, Book Doctor
Anne Gannon has been a public librarian for almost thirty years. As well as her Diploma in Library & Information Studies, she holds a Masters in Humanities (Children's Literature) from St. Patrick's College, Drumcondra. During her varied career one of Anne's chief interests has been bringing books and book related events to children and young people from every corner of Dublin.
Rebecca Long, Book Doctor
Rebecca Long holds a PhD in English from Trinity College Dublin, where she was a Government of Ireland Postgraduate Scholar. She currently works as Primary and Junior Cycle Coordinator at the Trinity Access Programme at Trinity College Dublin. Becky is also the 0–10 Reviews Editor for Inis magazine.
Victoire Lemaire, Book Clinic Administrator
Originally from the North of France, Victoire graduated from the National University of Ireland, Galway with an MA in Publishing and Literature in 2018. She first started working with Children's Book Ireland during the BOLD GIRLS campaign as an intern, and has enjoyed volunteering as a reviewer and Book Clinic administrator ever since. Victoire enjoys illustrating in her spare time.
Laura O'Herlihy, Book Clinic Administrator
Laura O'Herlihy holds a degree in English and History and a post graduate degree in Arts Administration which has been put to very good use over the years in places as diverse as The Olympia Theatre, The Ark, Airfield, The Bankers Union and in her current role in the wealth management firm Quilter Cheviot. Laura occasionally reviews for Inis magazine and Children’s Books Ireland's reading guides.
Síne Quinn, Book Doctor
Síne Quinn holds an M.Phil in Children's Literature from Trinity College Dublin. She is the managing editor at Cubicle 7 and a creative writing facilitator. As well as being a writing coordinator with the Bookmarks Programme at Trinity College and a campaign coordinator for College Awareness Week. Síne is also a published children's author and section editor of the annual Children's Books Ireland reading guide.
Juliette Saumande, Book Doctor
Juliette Saumande is a writer and translator of children’s books, including My Little Album of Dublin and My Little Album of Ireland (with Tarsila Krüse and The O’Brien Press). A Book Doctor, Creative Associate for Creative Schools and creative writing teacher, Juliette is at heart a professional bookworm who loves using words, stories and books to help kids (re)discover and grow their creativity.
To find out about upcoming clinics check out the events listing in News & events.
The Book Doctors are keen to bring their love of books to all corners of Ireland, so if you are a programmer and would like to invite the Book Clinic to your town please contact aoife@childrensbooksireland.ie
