Islington Reads Week is next chapter in Islington's Year of Reading

Islington is preparing to celebrate Islington Reads Week with library reading sessions, a booklist of must-read female authors and the announcement of this year’s ‘Teen Read vote winner’.

Islington Reads Week runs from 26 February – 4 March, including World Book Day on Thursday 1 March. Highlights include:

• Residents can sign up to ‘Reading Ahead’ - a challenge which invites adult readers to pick six reads – books, newspapers, magazines or websites - and record, rate and review them in a diary . All those who complete the programme will be in with a chance to win one of 10 e-readers worth £99, and invited to an awards ceremony with the Mayor of Islington. To get involved, pop into your local library and register.

• A number of special £1 World Book Day vouchers will be available for children who attend one of the libraries’ baby bounce or under-fives' story times. The vouchers can be spent on a special £1 World Book Day title or put towards the cost of a book of their own choice.

• Under-fives can meet drag queen Cookie MonStar - queen of comedy and improvisation who can rap and sing whilst doing a headstand! Cookie will be reading favourite stories at Central Library on Tuesday 27 February and N4 Library on Thursday 1 March, both at 11am. No need to book – just drop by!

• The launch of a month-long book promotion celebrating hundreds of fantastic titles by female authors. Whether you’re after old favourites or new discoveries, there’s guaranteed to be something you love. The full booklist will be available online and in libraries, along with book promotions.

• Islington’s young people’s favourite book – the winner of the Islington Teen Read Vote 2018 – will be announced an exclusive event at Central Library on Tuesday 27 February. Top author Patrice Lawrence (‘Orangeboy’) will be at the event to speak to pupils about her writing. Attendance at this event is by invitation only.

Cllr Asima Shaikh, Islington Council’s executive member for economic development, said: “Islington Reads Week has lots of events and activities, and is a special celebration as 2018 is our ‘year of reading’.

“We’re committed to helping all residents of all ages and backgrounds discover the joy of reading, and we’re delighted to support Reading Ahead – last year more people than ever completed the programme and we invite even more people to take part this year.

“Research shows reading for pleasure is associated with better opportunities in everyday life, education, employment and better mental health – as well as offering the perfect way to relax at the end of the day.

“Our ‘year of reading’ will see a huge variety of interesting events and activities taking place throughout the year, so pop into your local library today to find out what’s on offer. Whatever your interest, Islington’s libraries have something for you.”

To find out more about Islington Reads Week and what’s on, visit www.islingtonreads.co.uk, follow us on Twitter @islingtonlibs, or speak to your local library.

For further information please contact:

Alice Williams
Senior Media Officer
Islington Council
Room G16, Town Hall, Upper Street, London, N1 2UD
Tel: 0207 527 3224
Out of hours mob: 07769 163303
Alternative contact: Media line 020 7527 2307
www.islington.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter @IslingtonBC and @IslingtonLife