Readers invited to ‘travel the globe’ with Shropshire Council libraries

The team at Shropshire Council’s libraries service has joined with BBC Arts and The Reading Agency to offer an adult reading challenge with a difference this summer.

Readers can enjoy The Big Jubilee Read experience by borrowing or downloading books for free from a list of 70 intriguing titles written by celebrated Commonwealth writers over the past seven decades.

And a programme of special book club events will follow in early autumn, allowing readers to swap views on their book list selections.

All of Shropshire’s libraries are taking part, offering readers their own copy of the book list and opportunities to read many of the absorbing titles stocked in local branches.

The Big Jubilee Read

From Australia to Tanzania by way of Cameroon, Grenada and Malaysia, The Big Jubilee Read features brilliant choices full of recognisable classics and lesser-known gems just waiting to be discovered.

Cecilia Motley, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for communities, culture, leisure and tourism, and transport, said:-

“I’m really delighted that Shropshire Council’s libraries are all set to inspire readers with this appealing challenge. Reading gives us all the chance to step into other people’s shoes for a while and experience the world in new and stimulating ways. Wherever you may be spending the summer, you can travel the globe for free at your local library with The Big Jubilee Read.”

Mirka Duxberry, Shropshire Council’s library service development manager,  added:-

“The Big Jubilee Read is a reading for pleasure campaign celebrating great reads to coincide with The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. The list offers brilliant, beautiful and thrilling writing produced by authors from a wide range of Commonwealth countries to engage all readers in the discovery and celebration of great books.”

The Big Jubilee Read campaign will be delivered in partnership with BBC Arts and The Reading Agency. It received funding from Arts Council England and is supported by Libraries Connected and the Booksellers Association.

For more information or to reserve a free place at the book club events, visit https://shropshire.gov.uk/libraries/groups-and-support/books-and-reading/big-jubilee-read/ contact Shropshire Libraries on 01743 255031 or email libraries@shropshire.gov.uk

To find out more about the BBC campaign, visit https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/4RNfHvd2sxNlHDFFqzTGVKc/the-big-jubilee-read-2012-2022