28 - Queen Pat books time for a read

Dudley’s Queen of Culture, Pat Wakelam with reading volunteer scheme co-ordinator Corin Gregory and library assistant Merna Timmins.

 

Dudley’s Queen of Culture, Pat Wakelam has a love of reading and is keen to support Dudley’s efforts to inspire more people to pick up a book and get reading during 2008.   

 

There’s a whole host of activities and events lined up at libraries, schools and other venues to celebrate the year of reading. 

 

In libraries, readers will get the chance to meet author Sarah Harrison at Stourbridge Library on World Book Day (March 6) and adult learners will be challenged to read six books between January and May with a chance to win an all expenses trip to London. 

 

Libraries and schools will run the annual Big Book Fortnight where local people have the opportunity to meet a wide range of authors and the popular summer reading challenge for children returns during July and August.

 

A special celebration event will be held at Saltwells EDC (Education Development Centre) on May 6.  During the day there will be a number of key presenters, including Spoz (Giovanni Esposito), the former Birmingham poet laureate (the city’s official poet) plus adults and children alike will share their love of reading through presentations and performances.

 

In addition to the line-up of events and activities, libraries want to encourage more people to talk about books in reading groups, either by joining one of the 18 groups that already meet in libraries or by setting up their own.  For top tips on how to set up a reading group contact Jill Bright on 01384 814746. 

 

Plus, local people are urged to turn over a new leaf and become reading partners as part of the reading volunteer scheme in schools.  Call 01384 819719 to find out more.

 

Finally, during the year the council will share monthly reading themes with schools to encourage children in early year’s settings right through to secondary schools to have a healthy interest in reading.  Themes will include journalism and the media and a celebration of poetry and lyrics.  Plus there will be book quizzes for children at key stage 1 and 2. 

 

“Whether a fan of books, newspapers or magazines; reading can bring so much pleasure to our lives and is a great way to escape our daily routines.

 

“Here in Dudley, we’re keen to make the most of National Year of Reading and get as many people reading as possible.

 

“Even if it’s just spending more time to read with your child, setting yourself a challenge to read one book a month or setting up a reading group with colleagues – you’ll soon realise the benefits of reading.”

 

For more information on national year of reading go to www.dudley.gov.uk/reading or www.yearofreading.org.uk