We are reading IN Salford
Salford has recently launched an exciting new initiative - a mass community read called 'We are reading IN Salford.' The read has been focused around the book, 'Private Peaceful' by Michael Morpurgo. The book tells the story of young Thomas Peaceful looking back over his childhood from the battlefields of the First World War. It is a stunning novel of World War one set to appeal to all ages.
The mass read was officially launched on 1 October with an event at the Lowry in Salford, Michael Morpurgo being the star guest. The launch coincided with the one man show production at the Lowry theatre of 'Private Peaceful'. Many of the guests invited to the official launch went on to enjoy the show. Michael then went on the following day to hold an event with 500 Salford school children, during which he talked about all his books and his life as a writer.
After the launch 10,000 copies of 'Private Peaceful' were released into the wild, given out to children in schools, office workers, left in community centres, on buses and in many other places throughout Salford. Feedback can be left from anybody who finds and reads one of the books by visiting
Comments are being received - which makes the project all the more worthwhile:
"I thought the book was really good. By chance, I picked it up just before Remembrance Sunday and reading the book made me realise exactly what we are remembering and how terrible war is. I think the project is brilliant, it has helped me to get back into reading, and it's nice to be part of something in Salford, the idea of everyone sharing a book is brilliant."
"It was a brilliant book, I cried for the last 3 pages, it was beautifully written! I think the project is a great idea. I took my copy on holiday to the Isle of Man and left it there, so hopefully we can get the North West Region reading!"
'We are reading IN Salford' open days are being organised in Salford libraries as part of the project and to encourage as many people in Salford to read the book as possible. Two have been held so far and a third is planned for Saturday 15 December at Broadwalk library. At the event attendees have enjoyed craft activities, face painting and World War one displays and of course have all taken away a copy of 'Private Peaceful' to read and pass on for someone else to enjoy.
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.