PRONI launches children’s activity book at Carrickfergus Library
A new children’s activity book designed to introduce young people to Northern Ireland’s history and heritage has been launched at Carrickfergus Library.
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons officially launched the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) publication, titled ‘Activity Book for Kids’, during a visit to the library on Wednesday 14 October.
The launch formed part of the PRONI on Tour programme, which brings historical records, educational activities and archive services to communities across Northern Ireland.
Primary 6 pupils from Carrickfergus Integrated Primary School joined the Minister for the event.
PRONI activity book introduces children to local history
The new PRONI activity book aims to make Northern Ireland’s archives more accessible to younger audiences through a range of interactive activities.
The publication includes colouring exercises, word searches, brain teasers and activities encouraging children to explore their family history.
It also features easy-to-understand explanations about the work of PRONI and the historical records it preserves.
The book was written by PRONI staff member Zoe Harkness, who said the aim was to introduce children to archives in an engaging and inclusive way.
“As an archive for everyone, it was important that we found a way to make our collections more accessible and engaging for children,” she said.
“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.”
Minister welcomes new educational resource
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons welcomed the publication during his visit to Carrickfergus Library.
Credit: Department for Communities./ PRONI
He 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.”
The Minister highlighted the importance of making historical resources accessible to people of different ages.
“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,” he said.
“It is fitting that the launch takes place as part of the established PRONI on Tour programme, delivered in partnership with Libraries NI.”
PRONI on Tour reaches communities across Northern Ireland
The activity book forms part of a wider partnership between PRONI and Libraries NI, which has been operating the PRONI on Tour programme since 2023.
The initiative brings archive staff, historical documents and educational resources directly into local libraries.
Through Libraries NI’s network of 96 libraries, the programme provides opportunities for people to discover more about their family history and the communities in which they live.
Activities include drop-in advice sessions, workshops and school visits.
The event at Carrickfergus Library marked the eighteenth PRONI on Tour event since the partnership began.
Jim O’Hagan, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, said the initiative was helping people connect with Northern Ireland’s past.
“Our partnership with PRONI is a great example of how libraries can connect communities with Northern Ireland’s history and heritage,” he said.
“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.”
He added that the new activity book would help encourage curiosity and discovery among younger generations.
Where can families get the PRONI activity book?
The new ‘Activity Book for Kids’ is available by request at PRONI’s headquarters in Belfast’s Titanic Quarter.
Copies are also available at PRONI on Tour library visits throughout Northern Ireland.
Families interested in attending future events can find details of upcoming visits through the PRONI website, its social media channels or the PRONI Express newsletter.
PRONI is based at 2 Titanic Boulevard, Belfast, and holds more than three million historical documents.
Established in June 1923, the organisation preserves records relating to Northern Ireland’s people, places and history.
The new publication is intended to help younger generations begin exploring those records and develop an interest in their own family and local heritage.
External links
Department for Communities — PRONI activity book launch
How to obtain the book – PRONI official website
Upcoming visits – PRONI Express newsletter