Entertainment

Roald Dahl's 100th birthday to be celebrated in Northern Ireland libraries

Thomas Malcomson, aged 11 from Dromore in Co Down, helps launch the Roald Dahl 100 Celebrations in Libraries NI.
Thomas Malcomson, aged 11 from Dromore in Co Down, helps launch the Roald Dahl 100 Celebrations in Libraries NI. Thomas Malcomson, aged 11 from Dromore in Co Down, helps launch the Roald Dahl 100 Celebrations in Libraries NI.

A SERIES of free events are due to take place at libraries on Tuesday September 13 as part of celebrations to mark 100 years since the birth of Roald Dahl.

September 13, which is celebrated internationally as Roald Dahl Day, will see libraries host storytelling, crafts and games in memory of the renowned children's author.

In each library celebrating the event, children will be able to access specially designed Roald Dahl activity sheets and choose from a display of his books.

Luke Kelly, Roald Dahl's grandson and managing director of his literary estate, said: "We are looking forward to an extraordinary year celebrating Roald's unique imagination, his beloved characters and unforgettable stories."

Irene Knox, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, said: "I am delighted that we are marking the celebrations with a packed programme of over 100 events, including storytimes, craft sessions, fancy dress parties and games hours, being held in libraries and mobile libraries across Northern Ireland."

The author, who was born in Wales and died in 1990, is best remembered for his popular children's books including Matilda and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, some of which have been adapted for stage and screen.

It is estimated that around 200 million copies of his books have been sold, while his works are available in 58 languages.