2008 National Year of Reading

The more you read, the more you know.  Reading helps you connect, think, judge, decide and contribute.  If you read, everything is within your reach.

2008 National Year of Reading with Swindon Libraries

What is it?

National Year of Reading is a nationwide campaign, promoting the power of reading to change lives of individuals and communities.

The year will celebrate reading for purpose and pleasure and the reading of all texts across all media. It will create opportunities to motivate the wider community to start reading – or to read more.

Throughout the year, Local Authorities and service providers will be able to use the campaign as a hook to engage their communities and reinvigorate existing initiatives.

Why?

There is an undisputed link between reading for pleasure and educational attainment.

To promote reading within the family and beyond, helping to re-energise our national reading culture.

To increase levels of literacy to create a highly-skilled workforce to meet the demands of today’s IT dependent economy.

Reading is a crucial skill for life, work and social cohesion

Who’s it for?

Anyone and everyone, but particular target groups include

• Children
• Families
• Adult learners

What’s Happening?

Swindon Libraries are already planning a range of activities, based on the following monthly themes:

• April – Read all about it – Links to newspapers and magazines.
• May – Mind and Body –Reading and learning at work – the health benefits associated with reading.
• June – Reading escapes – Holiday and summer reads.
• July – Rhythm and Rhyme – Poems, poetry and lyrics.
• August – Read the Game – The influence of sport and how this can promote reading.
• September – You are what you read – Cultural, personal and local identity.
• October – Word of mouth – Storytelling, reading out loud, live literature.
• November – Screen Reads – Exploring the diversity of reading and writing – scripts, TV and films.
• December – Write the Future –Writing, texting, blogging etc.

Do you have any ideas for activities, events or initiatives?

Could you work with Swindon Libraries to deliver National Year of Reading to your customers or colleagues?

Did you know there are more than 12 reading groups in Swindon?

Where can I find out more?