Limerick, Ireland – In a bid to promote literacy and reward community engagement, the Limerick Vigilance Committee has launched a unique prize scheme at their literature barrow. The initiative aims to encourage residents to invest in literature while fostering a sense of community participation.

Under the scheme, patrons who make purchases at the committee’s literature barrow will receive coupons based on their spending. For every penny spent, customers will be entitled to a coupon, opening the door to a weekly draw with enticing prizes up for grabs.

The prizes include a 2s cash reward for the first-place winner, a selection of books or papers worth 1g for the second-place winner, and a bundle of papers and books valued at 6d for the third-place winner. The committee believes that this diverse range of rewards caters to different preferences, enhancing the appeal of the initiative.

The mechanics of the scheme are straightforward. Every Sunday, the coupons distributed that day will be included in a draw, with the results announced the following Sunday. The winning numbers will be prominently displayed on the literature barrow. Those lucky enough to possess winning coupons can claim their prizes by presenting the corresponding number.

To ensure accessibility, the literature barrow will be strategically stationed outside the Augustinian Church from 9 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and later near the Franciscan Church from 11:20 a.m. to 2 p.m. This scheduling allows residents attending both churches to participate, creating an inclusive atmosphere.

The committee believes that this innovative approach not only promotes the joy of reading but also fosters a sense of community engagement. By incentivizing literature purchases, they aim to make the literature barrow a hub for intellectual exploration and a gathering place for residents with a shared interest in books and papers.

The Limerick Vigilance Committee emphasizes that the scheme is open to everyone, irrespective of age or background. The simplicity of the process ensures that anyone can participate, making it an accessible and community-driven initiative.

As the committee pioneers this novel prize scheme, they hope it will contribute to the cultural and intellectual enrichment of the community. By blending the joy of reading with the excitement of potential rewards, the Limerick Vigilance Committee aspires to create a vibrant and engaged community centred around the shared love for literature.

Evening Herald (Dublin) – Saturday 01 February 1913