Booked up

Year 7 pupils across the borough are being given the chance to get their hands on free books as part of a national campaign to promote reading for pleasure.

Booked Up is a new national initiative designed to encourage 11 and 12 year olds to read more regularly.

It is being run at schools throughout the borough and is organised jointly by the Reading Agency and Booktrust with support from the Department for Education and Skills. All schools in the borough have signed up to the scheme whereby year 7 pupils will each get the chance to choose a free book from a list of twelve specially selected titles.

Libraries in the borough are also supporting Booked Up by making sure the 12 books are available so that youngsters can try all of them before picking their favourite.

Cabinet member for Children, Schools and Families, Councillor Irene Davidson said:

"This scheme builds on the success of Bookstart where very young children are provided with free books to enjoy. Anything that inspires children to read can only be a good thing and I am delighted that our schools and libraries are giving youngsters in the borough the opportunity to take advantage of this free offer. Copies of all of the 12 books are available at libraries across the borough and are well worth a look before deciding which one to go for."

More information on the scheme

For more details about the booked up scheme, please contact your nearest local library; alternatively, if your child is in year 7, please ask at his or her school.