Liverpool aims to create a proactive reader centred library service
For more information on Liverpool libraries visit
www.liverpool.gov.uk/libraries
Photo: Andrea Levy in Central Library
Liverpool aims to create a proactive reader centred library service that promotes reading, encourages the borrowing of books from libraries, helps citizens explore the richness and diversity of literature and assists people in their own development as readers.
We have mainstreamed reader development work into the library service in order to open up reading choices to library users and to reach out to non-traditional users to widen the library audience.
We Have:
- Integrated reader development principles into stock selection by introducing supplier selection to free up more time for reader development work and provide a more diverse range of stock. Librarians manage a reader development book fund to support reader centred book promotions.
- Designed 13 new and refurbished libraries according to reader development principles with 20% outward facing book displays and book promotion and display features to help people find a good read quickly.
- Introduced attractive book promotion furniture into all libraries to help browsers find a good read and tempt them to try something new.
- Integrated book promotion and ICT to show that books and computers are linked by the act of reading. Book displays are arranged adjacent to computer suites to tempt IT users to try a book and traditional users to use the computers.
- Organised reading groups and supported them with sets of books and readers days.
- Supported local festivals, national reading campaigns and literary prizes such as Writing on the Wall, World Book Day, the Orange Prize, National Poetry Day and the Man Booker Prize.
- Supported regional and national reader development partnerships such as Time to Read and Branching Out.
For more information on Liverpool libraries visit
www.liverpool.gov.uk/ or contact:
Irene Mandelkow
Sport, Recreation and Libraries Community Services
Liverpool Libraries Satellite Service
Unit 33
Wellington Employment Park South
Dunes Way (off Sandhills Lane)
Liverpool
L5 9RJ
Tel: 0151 233 5864
email: irene.mandelkow@liverpool.gov.uk
Librarians in the North West have pioneered partnership working to encourage new readers into libraries. Time To Read is a partnership of librarians engaged in reader development activity in public library authorities in the North West Region. All 23 public library authorities in the region currently support Time To Read.