Patricia Campbell has been awarded for the 2026 Annual Children’s Books Ireland Award in recognition of her extraordinary contribution to children’s reading, storytelling and library life across Dublin.
The announcement was made at the Children’s Books Ireland International Conference last weekend and recognised Campbell’s dedication throughout her 28-year career with Dublin City Council Libraries.
Through book-themed events, storytelling sessions and countless imaginative activities, Campbell worked tirelessly to encourage children of all ages to love reading. Cathy McKenna, who worked with Campbell in Walkinstown Library, says that “Patricia’s enthusiasm for encouraging children to read was boundless.”, recounting Campbell’s much-loved “toolbox” - an enormous bag filled with her go-to books, props and storytelling treasures which were used to enhance storytime.