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:
Peter Wallace
Reader Development Officer
Kensington Library
Kensington
Liverpool
L7 2RJ
tel: 0151 233 4495
email: wallacep@liverpool.gov.uk
Time To Read currently has a full time paid co-ordinator, supported by Arts Coucil of England and Museums, Libraries and Archives, North West.