Kildare County Council Launches Superhero Adventures with St. Raphael’s Special School
Kildare County Council’s Library Service, in partnership with St Raphael’s Special School, Celbridge, is delighted to launch “Superhero Adventures”, a unique book created by members of The Great Read Ventures Book Club.
Funded through Creative Ireland, the book features artwork and simple short stories created by six talented young students: Shane Tipper, Jack Duff, Grigore Rotaru, Tami Mundi, Chloe Cagney and Evan Gardiner. Working under the guidance of local author Emma-Jane Leeson and illustrator Alan Nolan, the students each developed their own imaginative superhero story, showcasing their creative talents.
The Great Read Ventures book club was established after Down Syndrome Ireland approached Celbridge Library about creating an inclusive book club for teens, in partnership with St Raphael’s Special School. The library didn’t hesitate and The Great Read Ventures Book Club held its first meeting in December 2025.
Since then, members have come together regularly to enjoy books, games and art in a fun and welcoming environment, with plenty of laughter along the way. The success of the initiative was highlighted recently when Down Syndrome Ireland showcased the project across its social media channels.
Speaking at the launch, the Cathaoirleach of the Celbridge-Leixlip Municipal District, Cllr David Trost, said: "This wonderful book is a celebration of inclusion, creativity and imagination. I would like to congratulate the young authors involved, on this fantastic achievement and thank the Celbridge Library staff, St Raphael's Special School and Down Syndrome Ireland for their commitment and support in making this project such a success."
Suzanne Brosnan, Executive Librarian, Celbridge and Clocha Rince Libraries, added: “Celbridge Library on behalf of Kildare Library Service, is delighted to be involved in this special project in partnership with our local school, St Raphaels. This fantastic book showcases all the creativity, learning and fun the teenagers have experienced since the Read Ventures book club started and we feel very lucky to have played a part in the journey’.”
Copies of “Superhero Adventures” will be available from all Kildare libraries and will also be distributed to primary schools in the Celbridge area.
