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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