Department for Education
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Make 2008 the year of the book

Make 2008 the year of the book

DEPARTMENT FOR CHILDREN, SCHOOLS AND FAMILIES News Release (2007/0197) issued by The Government News Network on 24 October 2007

Employers, local authorities and parents were urged to help usher in a renaissance in reading for children and adults today.

Ed Balls, Children, Schools and Families Secretary, launched the National Year of Reading by urging employers to be creative and turn their old smoking rooms into 'mini libraries.' He also wants parents to spend ten minutes a day reading to their children to inspire a love of reading.

Starting in January 2008, the National Year of Reading is a campaign that encourages everyone of any age to discover the pleasure of reading.

Speaking at the launch, Ed Balls said:

"We are without doubt, a nation with a great literary heritage and I want that to continue. I want 2008 to be the year of the book.

"It's very important that we help more children to become confident readers. There has been real progress in the last few years - with over half of all children leaving primary school having a reading age that's higher than the expected level for eleven year olds. This is a tribute to the hard work of teachers and support staff, librarians and the many voluntary organisations who make a vital contribution to helping children learn to read.

"The National Year of Reading is an ideal opportunity for us all to build on this success and encourage everyone of any age to pick up a book.

"It's never too late to improve your reading skills, I want employers to make their work place more reader friendly by turning their old smoking rooms into mini libraries and arranging places for 'book-crossing' or quiet reading."

Mr Balls also reiterated his call on parents to read with their children for ten minutes every day.

"Surveys have shown that one in ten children is never read a bedtime story and half of children rarely discuss reading at home. As a parent myself I know how hard it can be to find time, but just ten minutes a day can make a difference to a child's future - and create a love of reading from a very early age."

Schools Minister Jim Knight, said:

"I want to congratulate the National Literacy Trust and their partners on their appointment to deliver and oversee the year of reading. I am confident they will do a fantastic job.

"Bringing together so many committed and motivated organisations - especially among the voluntary and charity sectors - is an invaluable asset.

"If authors, broadcasters, celebrities, employers and local communities all come on board we can have a huge impact on improving the reading culture in this country."

The National Year of Reading will involve a series of national and local level events focused around themed months, such as 'father to son', 'alternatives to books' and 'classics and modern literature'. It will be run by the National Literacy Trust.

Director of the National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas said:

"The National Year of Reading is a unique opportunity to enthuse and engage readers and to change the national reading culture. If we are to fulfill this vision we must work with a rich and varied range of partners to mobilise a national celebration of the power of reading."

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. The National Year of Reading was announced by the then Education Secretary Alan Johnson in February 2007. More information can be found at: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/NYR/index.html

2. The National Year of Reading begins in January 2008 and will be run by the National Literacy Trust. From January to March organisations and authorities will be asked to take up the Reading Challenge, to pledge and plan their support with activities beginning in April 2008.

3. Book-crossing: leaving books in public places for others to read.

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