News - April 2016
Because the night belongs to book lovers
Gloucestershire libraries are calling all lovers of literature, and those yet to find a passion for reading, to come together to appreciate stories, poems and all things literature.
Hundreds of book fans in Gloucestershire are taking part in this year's World Book Night on April 23rd and will be giving away nearly 1,000 free books to people who don't usually pick up books. This exciting reading initiative is run by The Reading Agency.
Volunteers were encouraged to apply for a box of books that they can then distribute out to people who may not access libraries.
There are 15 different titles that will be given away, which were chosen by previous volunteers. The varieties of titles and genre are good, enjoyable books with strong compelling narratives and will be given away for World Book Night in the UK.
Gloucestershire Libraries and Information service is supporting people in the county, with 21 libraries acting as collection points for volunteers to collect their box of books and give away to potential readers.
Coleford Library is staging a special reading event to celebrate, and residents are welcomed to come from 12 -1.30pm for a coffee and book related chat.
World Book Night is an annual celebration of reading and books. It sees passionate volunteers give hundreds of thousands of books away in their communities to share their love of reading with people who, for whatever reason, don't read for pleasure or own books.
Reading for pleasure is a globally recognised indicator in a huge range of social issues from poverty to mental health, yet in the UK 36% of people don't regularly read (Dept. Culture, Media and Sport, 2015).
World Book Night brings together a powerful collaboration of national partners - publishers, printers, distributors, libraries, booksellers, private donors, trusts and foundations - to inspire more people to read.
Thousands of volunteers share their love of reading by giving out books to people in their communities who, for whatever reason, don't read for pleasure or own books. National, regional and local events up and down the country celebrate the difference that reading makes to people's lives.
World Book Night is about giving books and encouraging those who have lost the love of reading - or are yet to gain it - to pick up a book and read.
Jane Everiss, head of Gloucestershire Libraries, said: "World Book Night is a truly fantastic opportunity for us to encourage those who don't currently access their local library to make contact with us and learn about all the services their library can offer.
"It is a great opportunity to encourage people to come into libraries and hopefully sign up to be members to continue their reading."