Press releases
Welcome to our press release section. Here you can read all about the things we have been up to by downloading our recent press releases. If you have any questions about any of our work then please Contact us. If you have a press enquiry then see Media centre.
Young people have their say in north west libraries
Project celebration event: York: 18 June 2008
A project that has enabled over 288 young people aged 11 to 19 years across Yorkshire and Humberside to make key decisions about what they want from their local libraries celebrates its success with a special event on Wednesday 18 June in explore, Library Learning Centre, Acomb, York. Read full press release.
Libraries, reading and innovation: be part of the debate
The Reading Agency is launching a New Thinking publications programme, capturing cutting edge thinking and challenging debate about reading, and libraries' work with readers. Read full press release.
Children's publishers and libraries: new partnership scheme launches
A new partnership scheme between children's publishers and librarians begins work this month (May 2008), heralding a new era of joint work. Called Children's Reading Partners, it is led by The Reading Agency and involves 12 children's publishers, The Publishers' Association and the main children's library bodies. Read full press release.
Exciting developments in libraries' partnership with the book trade
Major developments in libraries' relationship with the book trade were announced at this week's Booksellers Association conference in Brighton (12-13 May 2008), during a session led by The Reading Agency and the Reading Partners library/publisher consortium. Read full press release.
Summer Reading Challenge™: Ten years old
We are proud that our national Summer Reading Challenge™ is celebrating ten years of working with the UK library network to keep children reading over their summer holidays, with potentially life-changing results. Read full press release.
Major publishers launch cross-country library-author programme for National Year of Reading
A huge Reader Meets Writer programme including some of the UK’s best-known authors and covering all of the 149 library authorities in England will be announced on 15 April 2008 at the London Book Fair. Read full press release
New solutions to help every child love reading
Enjoying Reading is an important new initiative to help every child love reading by encouraging schools and libraries to work more closely together. Read full press release.
Their Reading Futures: newly designed website
New opportunities to develop essential library staff skills
The Reading Agency is delighted to announce the launch of the latest website version of Their Reading Futures (TRF), which is at www.theirreadingfutures.org.uk. TRF is the online resource which provides training, information and news for all library staff, inspiring and supporting their reading work with children, young people, families and schools. Read full press release.
Young people and libraries: conference shines light on new future
A landmark conference this week heralded a new era for libraries‘ work with young people. A new Youth Libraries Offer was launched, along with innovative models of shaping and delivering library services with their young users. Read full press release.
Novelist Mike Gayle announced as patron of Six Book Challenge™ initiative
The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to get more reading to more people, is delighted to announce the appointment of best-selling author Mike Gayle as Patron of its new national Six Book Challenge™ initiative.
HeadSpace Efford welcomes young readers
Plymouth Library Services is delighted to launch HeadSpace Efford, a completely different kind of library provision developed and run in partnership with young people and The Reading Agency.
Date: Monday 14 January 2008
Time: 5-7pm
Venue: Efford Library, Torridge Way, Plymouth
Reading, libraries and community engagement – the way ahead
Successful outcome to 30 November conference
The Reading Agency and the Local Government Association are delighted to report that their joint conference on Community Engagement Through Reading (30 November, London) generated much productive and thought-provoking debate. It has also provided a starting point for exciting new work and fruitful partnerships. All delegates have committed themselves to an action inspired by the day.
Reaching new markets - a guide to developing a successful BME strategy
Rageh Omaar to chair 22 November seminar
The Reading Agency and the Bookseller are delighted to announce a joint conference exploring the positive ways that libraries, publishers and retailers can work together to grow the book market, promote Black and Minority Ethnic (BME) authors and target a multi-ethnic audience. The event will be chaired by renowned broadcaster and writer Rageh Omaar.
The Reading Agency celebrates fifth birthday
by announcing plans to mark 2008 Year of Reading
As the National Year of Reading approaches, The Reading Agency is celebrating five years of inspiring more people to read more. At a special event on 8 November 2007 at the Royal Festival Hall, London, it will announce a future research and events programme, launch new branding and share news of several major initiatives. Read full press release (pdf).
Publishers back National Year of Reading to bring readers and writers together
At last week’s Public Library Authorities’ Conference (Glasgow: 11-12 October 2007) it was announced that nine of the biggest UK publishers are backing the 2008 National Year of Reading with an array of ambitious activities to connect readers to writers in every English library authority. Read full press release (pdf).
Fulfilling their Potential
Yorkshire and Humberside
A new regional initiative for young people and libraries
The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to get more reading to more people, is delighted to announce that Fulfilling their Potential (FtP) is under way in Yorkshire and Humberside. Read full press release (pdf).
Announcing the theme for the 2008 Summer Reading Challenge
The theme for the 2008 Summer Reading Challenge will be Sport. We'll be involving lots of children in the ideas for the new design and will give a sneak preview of the poster later in the autumn.
National Six Book Challenge™
In association with the Costa Book Awards
The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to get more reading to more people, is delighted to announce the launch of a national Six Book Challenge in association with the Costa Book Awards. The Six Book Challenge™ is targeted at adults who want to improve their literacy skills, and forms part of the Vital Link programme for libraries and literacy run by The Reading Agency in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Read full press release (pdf).
Headspace welcomes young readers
The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to get more reading to more people, is delighted to launch HeadSpace. HeadSpace is the new name and brand for the project known to date as Book Bars – a completely different kind of library provision developed and run in partnership between libraries and young people across England. It will provide environments where young people will choose the furniture and books for their new spaces, can chill out and enjoy cutting-edge reading experiences. Read full press release (pdf).
Libraries Challenge Children to Change their World
The Summer Reading Challenge™ (SRC) is every parent‘s godsend: running in the UK’s libraries during July and August it provides children with a fun, FREE activity that not only entertains them, but keeps them reading during the six week break from school. Read full press release (pdf).
Reaching new markets – a guide to developing a successful BME strategy
The Reading Agency, the independent charity working to get more reading to more people and The Bookseller are delighted to announce a joint conference exploring the positive ways that librarians, publishers and retailers can work together to grow the book market, promote Black and Miniority Ethnic (BME) authors and target a multi-ethnic audience. The event will be chaired by renowned broadcaster and writer Rageh Omaar.
Read full press release (pdf)