Regional reading promotion with libraries

Primary Link project

Using Neighbourhood Renewal Fund money, Middlebrough libraries' Primary Link project takes a specially adapted van to eight primary schools in deprived areas where library use is poor. Chatterbooks reading groups, homework clubs, stories, storysacks and book loans take place during and after school. Laptops are also loaned, jointly with a family learning scheme teaching ICT to parents and children together on school premises. Other activities supplying books and a computer program to help with the literacy hour and running a family club with Middlesbrough Football Club.

(Library and Information Update, February 2003)

London Borough of Barking and Dagenham was awarded DCMS/Wolfson 2001 funding (£75,000) for the More Families Reading project, which aims to increase the use of libraries by parents and their primary aged children and strengthen the library service's contribution to family learning across the authority. The funding allows two family reading librarians to work with the adult education service and the community inspection and advisory service to run courses in fifty primary schools. The courses help parents to support their children's reading and literacy development, as well as think about their own development as readers.

The Pen transition scheme
The Pen scheme is a summer reading scheme for children entering reception in the Autumn. It was created in partnership between Wicor Primary School and their local public library. Children are given a passport which is stamped every time they read one of ten selected books from the public library. In September, when the children arrive at school for the first time, the scheme is promoted further through certificates and books being awarded to those who completed the scheme. The aim is to expose the children to a book-rich environment and ensure that they are familiar with books before their arrival at school. Contact teachers.mail@wicorprimary.hants.org.uk

London Libraries Development Agency to develop strategic library vision for London
The London Libraries Development Agency (LLDA) was created in March 2000 to develop a coordinated strategic vision for library and information services across London. It has formed partnerships with agencies and services across London to promote libraries' capacity to help deliver a wide range of agendas. An early initiative include Young Cultural Creators, a programme that has united librarians, curators, teachers and authors at The Tate in order to bring art and writing into the worlds of children and young people from some of the most deprived parts of London. The LLDA has compiled a database of the reader development activities taking place in London and plans to publish this as part of a broader London Libraries Manifesto which is intended to act as a 'beacon of aspiration' for libraries of all kinds in London. Contact 020 7641 5266.

Libraries for laughs
Newham Leisure Services joined with the London Comedy Festival to run a week of stand-up, readings, workshops from witty writers, films, special events for children and young people and displays of humorous books and videos. The event culminated with a 24 hour opening of Stratford library and a weekend of performances for the entire family. All events were free and programmed to reflect the cultural diversity of East London. Contact 020 8430 3994 x21294

Project organiser Bob Beagrie said, "We cannot say that Beyond trainspotting was an overiding success, there were failures, non-starters and difficulties in getting many young people interested in reading and writing fiction and poetry. It highlighted routes forward and the level of development work needed in some areas. However, as a pilot for outreach library provision it did challenge lots of preconceptions (on both sides of the library counter) and managed to broaden the scope of reading and creative expression among many who did get involved."

Librarians in the North West have pioneered partnership working to encourage new readers into libraries. Time To Read is a partnership of librarians, literature development workers and other organisations engaged in reader development activity in public library authorities in the North West Region. All 22 public library authorities in the region are involved. See www.time-to-read.co.uk

Pub moves into book business as library closes

Regulars at the Marine hotel organised a petition when they heard their seaside library had to go because East Sussex County Council could not afford building renovations. When that failed, the Marine's manager agreed to lend books from the pub instead.

"The onus was put on the community to do something for itself," said the pub manager, Andy Wainwright, 32, who has worked at the Marine for 12 years. "When some of our customers suggested we take in the books, we thought 'why not?'"

Council workmen set up shelves and stacked them with titles. "The idea is people sign a book out and return it when they've finished. We won't be collecting fines, although we did offer. Instead the council has opted for a system based on trust," says Mr Wainwright, who adds: "It's a novel arrangement, if you'll excuse the pun."

The local libraries manager, Helena Sykes, says: "This could be the way forward for libraries. The old site wasn't being used. It's the same old story. Use it or lose it. We just didn't have the money to keep the building up." It would have cost more than £70,000 to restore the Victorian premises. "We're hoping this scheme means more people have access to the books. And with the money saved we've been able to invest £8,000 in new stock."

Ms Sykes has also distributed books to an old people's home, a video shop, and a church.
"At the video shop," she says, "teenagers who pop in to rent a video are borrowing books as well, which is fantastic. This is getting them reading."

All borrowers have to do is acclimatise themselves to unusual opening hours. The Marine closes afternoons but is open until 11.00pm and all day Sundays. "At St Aidan's church," says Ms Sykes, "we have to close on Saturday mornings for weddings."

Liverpool's Read On networking group implements joint initiatives for reading and literacy
Building on partnerships established during the NYR, Liverpool's Read On networking group meets every two months to plan and implement joint initiatives for reading and literacy. Coordinated by the Library and Information Services, this includes representatives from the adult guidance services, adult learning services, youth and community services, Mersey TV and Liverpool Community College.