Lyons launches PRONI’s ‘Activity Book for Kids’ during visit to Carrickfergus Library
Date published:
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a new children’s book which brings the work of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland to life.
The ‘Activity Book for Kids’ incorporates easy-to-understand explainers alongside colouring, brain teasers and other interactive features to help children relate to PRONI.
Speaking during a visit to Carrickfergus Library as part of the PRONI on Tour initiative bringing the archive’s work to sites across Northern Ireland, Minister Lyons said:
“I am pleased to launch PRONI’s ‘Activity Book for Kids’, which supports my Department’s commitment to lifelong learning and participation in culture and heritage.
“Children are at the heart of our communities and the activities in this resource can be enjoyed by any young person or by those who are young at heart with an interest in our people and places. It is fitting that the launch takes place as part of the established PRONI on Tour programme, delivered in partnership with Libraries NI.”
The book’s author, Zoe Harkness of PRONI, said:
“As an archive for everyone, it was important that we found a way to make our collections more accessible and engaging for children. An interactive activity book is a great way to introduce young audiences to archives in a fun, friendly and inclusive way, whether through colouring activities, word searches or learning about their family tree.”
PRONI on Tour brings PRONI staff, documents and resources directly into communities across Northern Ireland, using Libraries NI’s 96 locations to reach new and wider audiences. Drop-in help sessions, workshops and school visits all form part of the programme.
Jim O’Hagan, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, said:
“Our partnership with PRONI is a great example of how libraries can connect communities with Northern Ireland’s history and heritage. By bringing PRONI’s collections and expertise into libraries across the country, we are making it easier for people of all ages to explore the stories of the people and places around them.
“This new activity book offers another way to introduce children to that history, encouraging curiosity and discovery from an early age.”
Minister Lyons was joined at the library by pupils from Carrickfergus Integrated Primary School.
The ‘Activity Book for Kids’ is available at PRONI in Titanic Quarter and all PRONI on Tour library visits.
To find out when PRONI might be visiting your local library, visit the PRONI website at https://www.proni.gov.uk/ or sign up for the PRONI Express newsletter at https://www.proni.gov.uk/proni-express.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption - PRONI Carrick 1: Communities Minister Gordon Lyons pictured with P6 children from Carrickfergus Integrated Primary School and (left to right) Director of Library Services at Libraries NI Adrienne Adair, Head of Public Service at PRONI Stephen Scarth, Primary 6 assistants at Carrickfergus Integrated Primary School Louise Vennard & Carla Wright and Primary 6 teacher Gareth Martin
- PRONI on Tour locations are advertised on PRONI Facebook, Instagram and the PRONI Express.
- The PRONI Activity Book for Kids is available by request at PRONI.
- PRONI and Libraries NI have been working together on the ‘PRONI on Tour’ programme since 2023, and this visit to Carrickfergus marks the eighteenth PRONI on Tour event.
- The Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRON) is a division within the Department for Communities. It was established on 22 June 1923 and currently holds more than three million documents. PRONI is based at 2 Titanic Boulevard, Titanic Quarter, Belfast. For details on opening hours, see www.nidirect.gov.uk/proni or call 028 90 534800.
- For media enquiries please contact the Department for Communities Press Office via email on press.office@communities-ni.gov.uk
- Follow the Department on Twitter @CommunitiesNI
- The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service for media enquiries only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.