News from library authorities:
CHESHIRE
National Year of Reading - it's a bit groovy!
Cheshire kicked off a NYR programme of events and activities in March with two book launches on World Book Day. The lunchtime event was a celebration of a graphic novel project produced by young mothers at YOI Styal. Over a number of weeks the women worked with artist Paul Pickford and Writer in Residence Joy Winkler to put together a graphic novel reflecting their own journey. Prison staff and education workers were impressed by the results and a project on eating disorders and regular newsletter are planned for the future, continuing to use the graphic novel format. The second event was a launch at National Waterways Museums Ellesmere Port for the appropriately named poet laureate collection Navigation by Jo Bell.
At the end of the month Neston Library hosted a Get it Loud in Libraries event. Although attended by heads of service, councillors and the County Chairman the evening was very informal and even 'a bit groovy' according to some of the audience. New band Royworld (officially the uncoolest name for a rock band ever) played to an audience of over 80. Local band Signifier offered excellent support. The audience ranged from older teens to sixty plus and we had some very welcome feedback:
"Bizarre week so haven't had the chance to tell you what an awesome job you did last Monday night. I think it was one of the most open minded events I have been to in a while. The oldies were prepared to give the music a chance and certainly appreciated the musicians' talent. One gentleman I spoke to was thrilled he could tell his step-grandchildren he had been to a gig! The bands also impressed - particularly as they played really well and produced a playlist to suit the audience. For such a progressive evening, I can see that the library can develop into the future to be the community base I didn't know it could be. Plus my husband hasn't been in a library since uni!"
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Staff have been giving the membership campaign their full support with a presence at local supermarkets, sports centres and businesses on April 26th, Join Your Library Day. Figures are still being collated to measure the impact of this national campaign.
Readers of all ages are getting involved with NYR. Young library users show their support for NYR at Northwich Library.
Cheshire Poet Laureate W. Terry Fox has written a poem for NYR and posters featuring Read a Book have gone into over 400 Cheshire primary and secondary schools as well as all public libraries. School librarians hosted NYR book swops across the county for St George's Day and apprentice footballers at Crewe Alexandra FC have been book crossing when they travel to other clubs for away fixtures. Wilmslow Library hosted a Get Wilmslow Reading coffee morning for readers and writers, with readings from an eclectic trio of local authors - poet Jo Bell, sci-fantasy writer Dominic Took, and historical fiction author Geoffrey Bird.
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For more information contact: Anne Sherman Tel: 01244 970 2898
Time To Read currently has a full time paid co-ordinator, supported by Arts Coucil of England and Museums, Libraries and Archives, North West.