The National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency are delighted that they have been appointed by the Department for Children, Schools and Families to manage the National Year of Reading in 2008 with a consortium of organisations committed to promoting reading.

A decade after the first National Year of Reading in 1998, the National Year of Reading 2008 aims to put reading at the top of everyone’s agenda. It will run from January to December 2008. A national challenge to schools, business, arts, sport and local services to join in the National Year of Reading will be launched in January, public activity will begin in April.

The National Literacy Trust and its partners hope that the year will capture the nation’s imagination, raise awareness of the importance of reading and inspire more people to talk about and take part in reading for pleasure. Family involvement and engaging employers will also be a priority during the year’s activity.

A national engagement programme to mobilise schools, colleges, libraries, media, business and the voluntary and community sectors in plans for the National Year of Reading will be unveiled soon.

Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas said:

We’re really excited at the opportunities that the National Year of Reading will offer to build upon current reading and literacy promotion and create a lasting legacy. We believe the National Year of Reading will help redefine our national reading culture and put in place building blocks for systemic change in the way in which reading is promoted at local, regional and national levels.”

For more information visit www.literacytrust.org.uk

ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. About the National Literacy Trust

The National Literacy Trust is an independent charity that changes lives through literacy. It links home, school and the wider community to inspire learners and create opportunities for everyone. www.literacytrust.org.uk

2. About the Reading Agency

The Reading Agency is an independent charity and reading development agency, founded in 2002 and funded by arts, libraries and government bodies. It develops innovative pilot models and national reading programmes, partnerships, advocacy, research, training and promotional materials to support work with children, young people and adults. www.readingagency.org.uk

3. About the National Year of Reading Consortium

The National Year of Reading is led by the National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency; and is s upported by Booktrust, the Campaign for Learning, the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, ContinYou, NIACE, Volunteer Reading Help and the National Youth Agency, with the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council and Arts Council England, Society of Chief Librarians.

4. About the first National Year of Reading

The first National Year of Reading ran from September 1998 to August 1999 and was delivered by the National Literacy Trust (NLT) on behalf of the then Department for Education and Skills.

The National Reading Campaign, which is delivered by the NLT on behalf of the Department for Children, Schools and Families, was established as a result of the partnerships built during the National Year of Reading. www.readon.org.uk