For the past eight years Ruth has worked in a freelance capacity to encourage and promote reading among children and young people. The examples below highlight Ruth’s different skill sets and areas of interest. If you are interested in working with Ruth on a project please contact hello@stuckforbooks.com
Writing, Reviewing and Editorial
Ruth is an experienced writer, reviewer and editor. She has contributed to articles online and in print with her work appearing regularly as one of the editors of the RTEJr Book Club. Ruth has been a regular reviewer at INIS Magazine since 2014 appearing online and in print. Ruth has been a regular section editor of Children’s Books Ireland annual Recommended Reading Guide. Ruth has contributed to the reading guide as poetry editor in the 2017 reading guide, Young Adult editor in the 2018 reading guide, 12-14 years editor in the 2019 reading guide, section editor of the Mind Yourself guide in 2020, 12-14 years editor for the Free to be Me guide in 2021 and 9-11, 12-14 and Young Adult editor of the most recent Picture This! Reading guide.
Ruth is an experienced producer of high quality educational and activity packs based on children’s books.This work includes the creation of material for teachers and students who are part of the annual Junior Juries programme in association with the KPMG Children’s Books Ireland Book Awards and additional resources and teaching materials to support the Children’s Books Ireland annual Reading Guide.
Storytelling and Creative Workshop Facilitation
Ruth honed her skills as a storyteller in Charlie Byrne’s Bookshop and as Reader in Residence with Dublin City Public Libraries. Ruth has facilitated sessions at Áras an Uachtaráin, Museum of Literature Ireland, National Gallery of Ireland, Books Upstairs and various libraries throughout Dublin. Ruth’s storytelling sessions are frequently accompanied by an art and craft workshop that links with the theme of the stories she reads.
Ruth also works regularly with Children’s Books Ireland as a Book Doctor providing bespoke reading prescriptions to children all around the island of Ireland.
Conference and Keynote Speaker
Ruth has experience in conference speaking and staff training at book based events. She has spoken about children’s books, reluctant readers and recommending books to children at the Local Government Management Agency annual conference, Galway Libraries, Kerry Libraries, Kildare Libraries and Meath Libraries.
Events Management and Programming
Ruth is a skilled events manager, facilitator and programmer facilitating events as part of Cruinniú na nÓg and Culture Night. She has programmed events with Dublin City Council and Dublin City Public Libraries as part of National Play Day. Ruth also previously worked as part of the Children’s Books Ireland team for their annual conference and as a Creative Engagement Coordinator on The National Neighbourhood project with Dublin City Council Culture Company. Ruth can be regularly found creating engaging events for young people in her regular work at The National Library of Ireland.