Greystones Library is proud to celebrate the 25-year anniversary of its longest running book club, a beloved community group that has fostered conversation, connection, and a shared love of literature for at least a quarter of a century.
To commemorate this milestone, current members gathered last week in the library’s upstairs reading room, joined by Librarian David Forde, Senior Library Assistant Treasa Houlihan, Senior Executive Librarian Geraldine Colgan and retired Librarian Gillian Misstear, who helped guide and support the club over the years. The group reflected on its long and lively history—one that may stretch even further back than records show. While the exact founding date remains a topic of friendly debate, long-time member Frances O’Donnell has a diary entry dated 13 November 2001, confirming the club’s roots at least 25 years deep.
Current members of the book club include Mary Hughes, Camille Williams, Sunniva Sherridan, Maureen Walsh, Cora Coogan, Jean O’Connor, Catherine Fleming, and Frances O’Donnell. The group also fondly remembered past members Joan O'Dea (RIP) and Joan Quinn (RIP) for their warmth, friendship, and contributions to the club’s rich history.
As part of the anniversary gathering, Treasa led recorded interviews that invited members to reflect on their experiences. They spoke about why they first joined the club, the meaning it has held in their lives, and the books that have inspired them to travel, think differently, or see the world through new eyes.
The morning was filled with lively conversation, shared stories, and fond memories, all enjoyed over tea and biscuits with the stunning backdrop of the sea visible from the library’s reading room. It was a celebration not only of books, but of community, connection, and the enduring power of reading together.
Speaking on the milestone, Theresa O’Brien, Director of Services for Wicklow County Council said, “The lasting success of Greystones Library Book Club is a testament to the power of libraries to bring people together. For at least 25 years and maybe even longer, this group of booklovers has shown that a book club is about far more than the books themselves. It is about friendship, shared curiosity, lively discussion, and the simple pleasure of connecting with others through reading”.
County Librarian Margaret Birchall commented, “Across Wicklow’s 13 libraries, there are multiple book clubs for all ages and for many different tastes. In a world of screens and constant distraction, Book Clubs offer people the chance to put down their phones, step outside their homes, and really engage with one another. The conversation may begin with a book, but it often travels into all kinds of unexpected and interesting places and that’s the real magic of a book club”.
With at least 25 years of continuous activity, the Greystones Library Book Club wonders whether they could be Ireland’s longest-running public library book club?
Greystones library warmly invites any other public library groups with a similar or longer history to get in touch— they would love to hear your stories.