BIG CITY READ PROVES A BIG HIT (York Liberal Democrats)

York Liberal Democrats <info@yorklibdems.org.uk>

BIG CITY READ PROVES A BIG HIT

October 1, 2009 12:14 PM

This year's Big City Read has been hailed as a success following the announcement that over 1000 people took part in events to celebrate the initiative.

The Big City Read aims to encourage people to read a selected novel and take part in events based on the theme of the book.

This year the Big City Read had a Tudor theme, with over 5000 copies of C.J. Sansom's murder mystery, 'Sovereign', which is set in Tudor York.

Events celebrating the Tudor theme took place throughout the summer and helped people to learn more about what life would have been like in Tudor York.

Liberal Democrat Executive Member for Leisure, Culture and Social Inclusion, Councillor Nigel Ayre said he was delighted with the success of the initiative. He said, "The Big City Read seems to have really inspired people, not only to read more, but also to delve deeper into the history behind the book."

"Sovereign was a great choice as this year's book, it is based in York and the author relied heavily on our excellent City Archives and City of York Council staff to help with research."

"The staff that worked on the Big City Read put on a fantastic array of events that appealed to a wide range of people. It was great to see people from all over the city joining together and sharing the experience of reading."

"Hopefully the events will have encouraged more people to find out about the events that take place in our libraries and museums all year round to support reading and culture in the city."