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Our response to the library review by Miranda McKearney, director
We have responded to the government's review of the public library service. We would like to see a clear statement, reflected in the 1964 Act, about what the public is entitled to expect from their library. Included in this should be an active reading service which brings reading alive in every community.
Pundits often talk as if libraries' role in promoting reading is becoming redundant. But children's book borrowing has been up for three years running and there is growing public demand for reading groups, baby rhyme times, author events and reading challenges. The social impact of these activities is profound. We must look at the growth trends and build on these. A vision of libraries as buzzing community hubs for reading and learning is already a reality in some places. The trick is to find the right ways to spread it. |
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Reading and health
We are already doing a lot of work on reading and health so are delighted to have been commissioned by MLA, in partnership with LISU and supported by Professor Neil Frude, to conduct major new research into the contribution public libraries make to the health and wellbeing of the communities they serve. The research will include interviews with key stakeholders and national survey and case study work
If you're wanting to develop your strategy on reading and its impact on health, you might want to access our bespoke training and consultancy. We've run several sessions in different areas, and they have been very successful. We can run them with individual library services and their health partners, or take a regional approach. To find out more talk to debbie.hicks@readingagency.org.uk.
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New chance to take Chatterbooks into schools
If you work in or with primary schools how about using our Chatterbooks network of reading groups to inspire more children in their reading for pleasure? This month, building on the major success of Chatterbooks groups in public libraries, we are launching Chatterbooks into schools. The scheme supports key aspects of your school improvement plan, including attainment, SEAL, transition and creativity, as well as extended school services. It helps you offer year round book talking activities. More information and subscription details on our brand new Chatterbooks microsite at www.chatterbooks.org.uk.
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New volunteering pilot linked to Summer Reading Challenge
We are keen to spread reading through volunteer helpers because we've seen how powerful this can be. So we are thrilled to announce that V (the national youth volunteering charity) and Laing Integrated Services have agreed to fund a pilot Summer Reading Challenge volunteering programme for 16 to 25 year olds during 2010. Our vision is to encourage all library services to offer youth volunteering through the Challenge by 2012. We've had a huge response, and will be working with a focus group of 20 pilot library services which we'll be announcing shortly. All libraries will have access to our new volunteer guidance pack, so we hope lots of them will have a go. www.readingagency.org.uk/young/volunteering
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groupthing.org
There's a lot happening on our social reading website, groupthing, at the moment:
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Chatabout
Chatabout is our new, free network of reading groups for adults who are building their reading confidence. Chatabout members tell us that the thing that they want most is recommendations about good things to read. Join the 156 members who are already part of Chatabout and share your reading recommendations on the forum.
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Six Book Challenge 2010
Libraries, colleges and workplaces running this year's Six Book Challenge say that there's been a great take-up from learners. You can still join it by visiting the Shop. Kendra Walker from Warburtons in Stockton reports: "We launched the 2010 Challenge early because learners where so eager to take part. It has absolutely taken over the bakery with sections of the office staff talking to the bakery staff about the challenge." Those who complete by the end of June can enter a prize draw for a weekend in London and workplaces running the Challenge alongside Learning at Work Day have their own special draw.
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Publisher partnerships
We run a major scheme connecting publishers and libraries called Reading Partners. We are experimenting with new digital models, and are delighted by a brand new online Reading Group project we're doing with Random House. This aims to create a large, vibrant social network of reading groups online under the Vintage Reading Group name. We have recruited 12 library reading groups to kick things off. The site will help people create their own reading groups and contribute to existing ones.
We will shortly be inviting libraries to pitch for events with big name authors Stuart Maconie (broadcaster), Jodi Picoult, John Motson (Sports commentator), Lionel Shriver and Katie Fforde. Look out for information on our website. |
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Children's publisher initiative
1,500 children of all ages will enjoy meeting top authors and illustrators at their
local libraries across Yorkshire and Humberside next month.
The Bounce into Books festival, organised by public libraries working with publishers through our Children's Reading Partners scheme, will bring 15 authors to the region to meet young readers at 50 free events between 8 and 13 February. Bounce into Books aims to help children from four years old to teenagers find out how books are created, hear about the working lives of authors and illustrators, plus introduce children and their families to public libraries and encourage them to keep visiting. |
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Training programmes
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Championing reading - involving volunteers in reading groups
For reader development librarians and those with responsibility for reading groups. 11 February, York Central Library
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Chatterbooks for schools
For teaching and non-teaching staff who want to set up Chatterbooks. 11 May, RIBA, London
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Chatterbooks training for library staff
An essential introduction for library staff new to Chatterbooks and library staff who want to refresh or top up on previous training. 24 February, RIBA, London
More information and book a place here. |
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New promotion with the Pure Passion Awards 2010
The Pure Passion Awards 2010 celebrates 50 years of the Romantic Novelists' Association. The awards include Romantic Novel of the Year; Romantic Comedy Novel of the Year and the Peoples' Choice Award. The promotion will run from 23 February to 13 March 2010. We are offering a limited number of free packs available to order from the shop. The deadline for ordering materials is Tuesday 9 February 2010.
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Favourite reads
We couldn't include all of our favourite reads from 2009 in last month's newsletter so if you'd like to read a few more visit our new web page at www.readingagency.org.uk/about-us
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Retirement news
Liz Dubber, is retiring from her post as Director of Programmes at The Reading Agency in February. We wish her huge enjoyment in a less busy life and a nice break from the train journey from the Cotswolds to London.
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Look out for...
Saci Lloyd as groupthing's this month's author giving tips on being a writer, video interviews, events in libraries and a competition where young people can win an event or £100 worth of Hachette books for their school or library.
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Keeping in touch
For information about all our projects and resources visit the website, follow us on Twitter and tell use what you think at the discussion forum. To unsubscribe click here or send an email to reading.agency@readingagency.org.uk
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read - The Reading Agency Ltd
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Company limited by guarantee, registered number 3904882 (England & Wales)
Registered charity number 1085443 (England & Wales) Registered Office c/o CW Fellowes, Templars House, Lulworth Close, Chandlers Ford, Hampshire SO53 3TL |