Free books, giveaways and Teen Read Vote results for Islington Reads Week
Islington is gearing up for a week of events to celebrate reading – including free book vouchers for children, books handed out to residents keen to set up their own reading groups, and the announcement of this year’s ‘Teen Read Vote’ winner.
Islington Council is promoting the programme next week as part of ‘Islington Reads Week’ (27 February – 3 March), which includes World Book Day on Thursday 2 March.
On World Book Day children who attend one of the libraries’ baby bounce or under-fives' reading sessions can each receive a £1 voucher, which they can spend on a special £1 World Book Day title or put towards the cost of a book of their own choice.
Residents can also sign up to ‘Reading Ahead (Six Book Challenge)’ scheme, aimed to help adults develop their literacy skills and start reading for pleasure. A record number of local people finished the challenge last year and 2017 looks set to be even bigger still.
Islington’s young people’s favourite book – the winner of the Islington Teen Read Vote 2017 – will be announced an exclusive event at Waterstones, Islington Green, on Tuesday 28 February.
Carnegie Medal nominated children’s author Clare Furniss (‘How Not to Disappear’) will be at the event to speak to pupils about her writing.
Residents who want to set up their own reading groups can pop into Central Library and receive free copies of this year’s Cityread London book, Prophecy by S.J. Parris. There are a limited number of books so it will be first come, first served!
Libraries will also be collecting donated new fiction books to give to those who are homeless in preparation for World Book Night on 23 April, where books are given out across the UK with a focus on reaching those who don’t regularly read.
Islington Council’s executive member for economic development, Cllr Asima Shaikh, said: “Islington Reads Week is becoming a real fixture in the Islington calendar.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the joys of reading and the worlds of knowledge, information, and adventure that books can unlock for people of all ages.
“The benefits of reading often go unrecognised, but reading for pleasure is associated with higher academic achievement, improved employability and better mental health – as well as offering the perfect way to relax at the end of the day!
“With such a fantastic programme of events and giveaways going on, there’s something for everyone.”
Rosemary Doyle, Head of the council’s Library and Heritage Services, said “Reading is one of life’s pleasures and we think books should be easily available to everyone, which is why we’re proud to support World Book Night this year.
We know that this will appeal to Islington’s community spirit and hope that lots of residents pass on a copy of their favourite book.”
To find out more about Islington Reads Week and what’s on, please visit www.islingtonreads.co.uk, follow us on Twitter @islingtonlibs, or speak to your local library.
Islington Council is promoting the programme next week as part of ‘Islington Reads Week’ (27 February – 3 March), which includes World Book Day on Thursday 2 March.
On World Book Day children who attend one of the libraries’ baby bounce or under-fives' reading sessions can each receive a £1 voucher, which they can spend on a special £1 World Book Day title or put towards the cost of a book of their own choice.
Residents can also sign up to ‘Reading Ahead (Six Book Challenge)’ scheme, aimed to help adults develop their literacy skills and start reading for pleasure. A record number of local people finished the challenge last year and 2017 looks set to be even bigger still.
Islington’s young people’s favourite book – the winner of the Islington Teen Read Vote 2017 – will be announced an exclusive event at Waterstones, Islington Green, on Tuesday 28 February.
Carnegie Medal nominated children’s author Clare Furniss (‘How Not to Disappear’) will be at the event to speak to pupils about her writing.
Residents who want to set up their own reading groups can pop into Central Library and receive free copies of this year’s Cityread London book, Prophecy by S.J. Parris. There are a limited number of books so it will be first come, first served!
Libraries will also be collecting donated new fiction books to give to those who are homeless in preparation for World Book Night on 23 April, where books are given out across the UK with a focus on reaching those who don’t regularly read.
Islington Council’s executive member for economic development, Cllr Asima Shaikh, said: “Islington Reads Week is becoming a real fixture in the Islington calendar.
“It’s the perfect opportunity to celebrate the joys of reading and the worlds of knowledge, information, and adventure that books can unlock for people of all ages.
“The benefits of reading often go unrecognised, but reading for pleasure is associated with higher academic achievement, improved employability and better mental health – as well as offering the perfect way to relax at the end of the day!
“With such a fantastic programme of events and giveaways going on, there’s something for everyone.”
Rosemary Doyle, Head of the council’s Library and Heritage Services, said “Reading is one of life’s pleasures and we think books should be easily available to everyone, which is why we’re proud to support World Book Night this year.
We know that this will appeal to Islington’s community spirit and hope that lots of residents pass on a copy of their favourite book.”
To find out more about Islington Reads Week and what’s on, please visit www.islingtonreads.co.uk, follow us on Twitter @islingtonlibs, or speak to your local library.
Contact information
If you are a member of the public with a general question about the council please view the contact information on our website or call 020 7527 2000.