Shropshire Winter Read leads way for libraries

Shropshire’s biggest reading event - Shropshire Winter Read - is underway for the second year running, with readers across the county taking part.

Organised by Shropshire County Council's Library Service, the Shropshire Winter Read aims to help people enjoy their reading, and inspire them to try something different. As an added bonus, all completed entries will be put into a draw, with six £30 book tokens to be won.

Anyone can join in with the 'Winter Read, and the idea is very simple. Just read four books, and write a short review of each one. People can read whatever they like, or be guided by four reading challenges. For example, ‘try an author you haven’t read before’, or ‘try a book with a foreign setting’. Throughout the winter there will be book lists and displays in libraries, to help with choices.

Councillor Barbara Craig, Shropshire County Council's Cabinet member for community services, said: “The Shropshire Winter Read is all about the enjoyment that can be had from books, and it will provide a great start to the National Year of Reading in 2008. This is fantastic way to encourage people to pick up a book and take part in this exciting and fun competition.”

Last year over 400 people took part, and around 700 book reviews were submitted, many of which have since been used in library displays. Jim Roads, Head of Libraries & Information, said: “The comments received from last year’s 'Winter Read were very positive, with many people saying they had tried books they wouldn’t have read otherwise.”

Improvements this year include a rating system for books, and many more suggestions for what to read.

Entry forms are available now from libraries, and the closing date for entries is World Book Day on Thursday 6 March 2008.

14 December 2007