News
January 2010Happy New Year everyone
At the time of writing there seems to be a lot of nervousness in the air. Everyone seems to be in the midst of, or anticipating budget cuts. Some book funds are frozen as are posts in several authorities. Those of us lucky enough to be in work seem to have more and more to do.
But there is also much to be positive about. In the next few months both Manchester and Liverpool Central Libraries will close for major refurbishments, as a result of the investment of millions in these historic buildings, making them fit for a long future. I am personally caught up in the move from Manchester Central Library and will move to the new offices which will be the temporary HQ of Manchester Library Service for the next 3 years.
The new More 4/Channel 4 TV Book Club has launched to mixed reviews. The 1st programme didn't seem to get the balance of its content quite right, but this improved in the second. From the creators of Richard & Judy's phenomenally successful club, the new show brings together a panel of celebrity presenters who each week will talk about a pre-selected title. A TV book programme is badly needed, so lets hope this one settles into a successful format.
Reading Partners continues to have an impact on the events we are able to offer our readers. Many publishers are currently firming up their plans for 2010 and some exciting offers are coming through for readers days, reading group sets and individual author tours. We will be hosting as many of these as possible in North West Libraries.
We are also currently making plans for our new promotion of Historical Reading which will be called Pages Ago. We hope to launch this at The Bluecoat Arts Centre in Liverpool in May, and run it through to Nov/Dec. We already know that there will be at least 2 readers days in the region with a Historic theme and several publishers have offered to support our promotion. We have made good links with Manchester University and with the Historical Novel Society, who may hold their conference in the region as part of Pages Ago. Plans are currently developing on a daily basis.
For any further information about this, comments or suggestions, please contact:
Jane Mathieson
The Regional Reader Development Co-ordinator, NW
Tel: 0161 236 4451
Time To Read currently has a full time paid co-ordinator, supported by Arts Coucil of England and Museums, Libraries and Archives, North West.