Libraries in North Yorkshire are encouraging people who lack confidence in reading to get back into the habit by taking part in Reading Ahead.
Reading Ahead aims to give people of all ages and backgrounds easy access to reading and to inspire them to read.
The programme, which is run by the Reading Agency, invites people to read, rate and review six items. These can be anything people like, not just books, but also newspapers, poems, plays and websites. People taking part can share reviews, find new things to read and chat to others taking part. Everyone taking part is entered into a national prize draw when they finish their six reads. There is also a certificate and other incentives along the way.
The programme has just marked its tenth anniversary and North Yorkshire has been involved since the start. Reading Ahead takes place every year in libraries, colleges, workplaces and prisons across the UK and has reached 275,000 people since it began. One in six adults in England and Northern Ireland struggles to read.
North Yorkshire County Councillor Greg White, Executive Member for Libraries, said: “There is a wealth of reading material available at all libraries in North Yorkshire, which means there’s plenty to suit all tastes and reading abilities. If you’re not a library member, it’s easy to join and you can start borrowing books straight away, making it as simple as can be to take part in the Reading Ahead challenge.”
Visitors to libraries in Harrogate, Scarborough, Skipton, Northallerton and Richmond will see new displays about Reading Ahead and can find out more there. They can also learn more on the Reading Ahead website, www.readingahead.org.uk.