BIG CITY READ INSPIRES MORE THAN 450 PEOPLE TO JOIN CITY'S LIBRARIES (York Liberal Democrats)

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

BIG CITY READ INSPIRES MORE THAN 450 PEOPLE TO JOIN CITY'S LIBRARIES

December 8, 2009 12:00 AM

This year's Big City Read inspired more than 450 people to join the city's libraries, according to a new report from Council officers.

Council officers have published a report assessing the impact of this year's Big City Read, looking a the number of people who were involved with the initiative and the feedback they gave on its success.

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 C.J. Sansom's murder mystery 'Sovereign', which is set in Tudor York, as the selected book.

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.

Over 5000 copies of Sovereign were given away during the summer and more than 1000 people attended the events based on the book's theme.

A survey of those taking part in the scheme found that 72% said they felt they had learnt more about the history of the local area as a result of the Big City Read. 43% said they felt that reading Sovereign at the same time as other people made them feel part of a community.

96% of people surveyed said they would like to see the Big City Read repeated next year.

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, "I am delighted that the Big City Read has encouraged people to join our libraries. 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."