In 2007 and 2008, we will complete a major new piece of research. As part of our Engagement programme we are committed to leading and influencing the development of good practice in book-based events and activities for children. Documenting current practice around book-based events and activities for children in this report will enable a greater understanding of the level and type of provision on a national basis to assist the development of better practice around book–based programmes.

We include in book based events and activities readings, workshops, programmes and initiatives for young people that are based solely on books and take place in locations outside of formal education settings.  The report will provide a ‘snapshot’ of book based events available to audiences aged between seven and twelve years. The completed report, to be published in 2008, will support CBI’s ongoing planning and will be shared with a wide audience. CBI and Book Communications will be working together to complete this unique report. If you would like to know more or to contribute please contact This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

CBI is currently also a partner organisation in The Touring Experiment.  The Touring Experiment is an initiative of the Arts Council. It is a two year action research project which seeks to identify generic factors affecting touring in Ireland in relation to music, the visual arts, literature, the traditional arts, theatre and dance. It also seeks to identify artform specific issues in relation to touring in these artforms.

The Touring Experiment is an action research project which will support, observe, and work in partnership with a number of artists, producers, companies, venues and venue networks over the course of two years. The Touring Experiment will then present recommendations which will be presented to the Arts Council in early 2008.

Children’s Books Ireland will present Children’s Book Festival Author Tours as part of the Touring Experiment. Participation in this programme will enable children's books events to be adequately represented in the development of national touring policy. For more information please visit www.thetouringexperiment.ie

In 2002 CBI published a ground breaking report examining the reading habits of young people in Ireland

 What's the Story?The Reading Choices of Young People in Ireland   (ISBN: 18729100)

What's the Story? is the first large scale comprehensive survey of the leisure time reading choices of young people in Ireland. Published by Children's Books Ireland in 2002, the research was conducted by Dr. Deirdre Haslett. Over 2,200 students from Ireland, North and South, took part in the study. They came from 62 different schools, urban and rural, large and small. Areas covered in the research include:

• Favourite Books 
• Favourite Authors
• Popular Genres 
• Favourite Periodicals
• Recent Book Buying
• Book Ownership
• Influences in Choosing a Book to Read
• Books in the Home
• School and Local Libraries
• Buying and Borrowing Books
• Periodicals

What's the Story? is essential reading for anyone concerned with books and young people. Copies of What's the Story? are available from Children's Books Ireland, contact us to order your copy or follow the link to shop above.