National Year of Reading 2008

2008 is the National Year of Reading. This means we will be celebrating words and reading in all their forms throughout the year encouraging more people to read more things and to join their local library.

The more you read, the more you know. Reading helps you connect, think, judge, decide and contribute. If you read, everything is within your reach.

“Reading is a ladder out of poverty. It’s not just the joy of reading – father-to-son or in the classroom. It’s also the benefits of reading. It’s probably one of the best anti-poverty, anti-deprivation, anti-crime, anti-vandalism policies.” Prime Minister, The Right Honourable, Gordon Brown.

"As Lord Mayor of the city of Coventry, I am delighted to offer my support for the National Year of Reading 2008. I can only encourage all parents to spend time reading to their children as this will open up a world of opportunities and help to boost their educational chances in life. Books are such an important part of learning, which I believe has such a huge impact for children and their parents."
The Right Worshipful Lord Mayor of Coventry, Councillor Dave Batten.

So, if it's magazines you're mad about, newspapers you love or novels you cosy up with at night, 2008 will be a great year for you.

So what's happening in Coventry?

Coventry City Council launched the National Year of Reading during the week beginning April 7.

Firstly players from Coventry Rugby Club swapped their boots for books in a training session to show their support for the campaign.

Then there was a Read-in @ IKEA in Coventry's city centre store where crowds of people made a great statement about the importance of reading by filling those sofas and chairs with people reading books.

The Coventry Book Swap was also launched. There are now special 'stops' in the city centre where you can bring a book that you have already read and swap it for a different one absolutely free.

The Butts Arena.JPG

On 22 May American bestseller, Rick Riordan, visited the Central Library talking about his books, reading to children and having his books made into a film.

And on June 4 authors of the winning books from the Coventry Inspiration Book Awards are invited to St Mary's Guidhall for an awards ceremony. Fans of reading and members of the public are welcome to attend if they contact 7683 2338 for a ticket or email.

We will soon begin to list other events as part of the National Year of Reading so keep checking the website for up to date information. And if there is a reading event that you know about in Coventry then why not let us know?

Contact Details

National Year of Reading Coventry
Coventry City Council
Central Library
Smithford Way
Coventry
CV1 1FY
E-mail joy.court@coventry.gov.uk
Tel: 024 7683 2338
Fax: 024 7683 2358

Coventry City Council