Communities Minister Gordon Lyons has launched a new children's activity book showcasing the work of the Public Record Office of Northern Ireland (PRONI) during a visit to Carrickfergus Library.

The 'Activity Book for Kids' combines clear explainers with colouring pages, brain teasers and other interactive elements to help children engage with PRONI and understand its role.

Speaking during the Carrickfergus stop on the PRONI on Tour programme, Minister Lyons 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.

"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. It is fitting that the launch takes place as part of the established PRONI on Tour programme, delivered in partnership with Libraries NI."

The book's author, Zoe Harkness of PRONI, said: "As an archive for everyone, it was important that we found a way to make our collections more accessible and engaging for children. 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." PRONI on Tour brings staff, documents and resources into communities across Northern Ireland, using Libraries NI's 96 locations to reach new audiences. The programme includes drop-in help sessions, workshops and school visits.

Jim O'Hagan, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, said: "Our partnership with PRONI is a great example of how libraries can connect communities with Northern Ireland's history and heritage. 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.

"This new activity book offers another way to introduce children to that history, encouraging curiosity and discovery from an early age."

Minister Lyons was joined at the library by P6 pupils from Carrickfergus Integrated Primary School.

The 'Activity Book for Kids' is available at PRONI in the Titanic Quarter and at all PRONI on Tour library visits.

To find out when PRONI may be visiting your local library, visit www.proni.gov.uk/ or sign up for the PRONI Express newsletter at www.proni.gov.uk/proni-express.

PRONI and Libraries NI have delivered PRONI on Tour since 2023; the Carrickfergus event marks the eighteenth stop. PRONI, a division of the Department for Communities established in 1923, holds more than three million documents at its Belfast base in the Titanic Quarter.