What is Reading?

Newspapers, magazines, comics, graphic novels, short stories, Braille, subtitles in films, text message, websites, online games, computer screens, blogs, signs, emails, audio books, podcasts, websites on your mobile, storytelling...

You can read anywhere!

At home, at work, on the bus, in the park, cafes, waiting for the doctor, in bed, at the station, in the bath, in the garden...

Events happening in Redbridge Libraries to celebrate the National Year of Reading

There will be a different theme each month until December, so keep checking back to see what's happening in your library. There's bound to be something to get everyone reading.

Poetry Competiton

To link in with July's theme of rhythm and rhyme and National Poetry day, we are holding a poetry competition, starting on 7 July 2008.

The theme is "work" and the catergories are

• children 7 to 11
• children 12 to 16
• adults over 16
• Redbridge Council employees

Please ask for an entry form your local Redbridge library or send your poems in online.  Please read the poetry competition rules before submitting.

A month by month look at the National Year of Reading

May - Mind and Body

Reading is not all in the mind – it’s in the body too. This month’s theme is all about celebrating the links between reading and health.

June – Reading escapes

Summer’s here! Find some cool holiday reading or escape into a different world  through a book.

We also have guides and maps of holiday destinations. Get the kids to find out more about their summer holiday destination.

July – Rhythm and rhyme

Why not join one of our “Story rhymetimes” for under fives and their carers. These take place at every Redbridge Library every week.

August – Read the game

The influence of sport will be used to promote reading this month.

Get your children to do the Summer Reading Challenge this year with the theme of sport-“Team Read”.

September – You are what you read

Why not join a Reading Group at your local library. We have groups for children, adults, teenagers, families and people who read large print books, Quick Reads or listen to stories on CD or tape. Just ask for more details at your local library.

October – Word of mouth

We will be celebrating the written and spoken word with the ”Redbridge Word of Mouth Festival”.

Celebrate and explore your cultural, personal or local identity through the spoken or written word.. Events may feature author talks, writing workshops, and poetry.

November – Screen reads

Join in “Action and Adventure”, a celebration of books that have been turned into films. This month sees the launch of the latest James Bond and Harry potter films. Why not catch up on these adventures by reading a book by Ian Fleming or J.K Rowling, available at your local libraries.

December – Write the future

The end of the year sees a focus on the future and a celebration of all forms of writing. What one person writes, others read and technology is bringing reading and writing closer together.

You can also find details about the wide range of special events and activities taking place within libraries throughout the borough

Find out what is happening nationally for the National Year of Reading.