BBC local radio books in library partnership

BBC local radio stations are encouraging their listeners to get reading as part of a major new partnership with the country’s public libraries.

BBC Radio Shropshire have teamed up with Shropshire Libraries, and Telford and Wrekin Libraries, and launched a new “Book of the Month” slot.

Each month a different book will be selected, and listeners will be encouraged to borrow it from their local library, read it and then join in on-air discussions about it on their local radio station.

The aim is to get people reading, encourage people to talk about books and draw people to use their local library service more. Public libraries have a wealth of resources and activities including reading groups, challenges, promotions and author events. This new partnership will also see BBC stations broadcasting from libraries and storytelling events.

David Holdsworth, controller of BBC English Regions, said:

“This is an exciting new partnership for BBC local radio, which I hope our listeners will enjoy being part of. We want them to get involved by reading along with us and then, most importantly, telling us what they think about the books. I hope eventually BBC local radio will have one of the biggest book clubs in the country.”

Neil MacInnes, President of Society of Chief Librarians, said:

“We are really pleased to be working with BBC local radio. We hope this will encourage people to read more and talk about books more. Libraries provide information that enables people to change their lives: improve health, find a job, upgrade skills, learn a new language, travel, learn a new skill, share in the digital world, open a business and succeed in education. We hope this will encourage more people to come to their libraries and see the range of services they offer such as digital access and information about health and financial issues.”

Stuart West, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for leisure and culture, said:

“Libraries are constantly adapting to meet our customers’ changing needs, and offer a wealth of services to people of all ages. These include literary events and book clubs, books on prescription, home delivery service, children’s activities, elibrary resources, community hubs and health zones, to name just a few. The partnership with BBC Radio Shropshire will show how versatile libraries are, and their role in the community.”

Councillor Liz Clare, Cabinet member for leisure services and culture, Telford and Wrekin Council:

“This is a brilliant partnership with BBC Radio Shropshire that, in addition to promoting a love of reading and borrowing books, will also show the wide variety of library services available for people of all ages. From ebooks and emagazines, to children’s activities and the Home Library Service.”

For more information about Shropshire Libraries follow the link to http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/libraries, Telford and Wrekin Libraries http://www.telford.gov.uk/libraries and BBC Radio Shropshire http://www.bbc.co.uk/radioshropshire.