Booktrust Reader Development Pilot

Reader Development in Wigan
Booktrust Pilot 08

Booktrust Pilot 08 was a reading study and strategic advocacy project, conducted in partnership between Booktrust and Wigan Leisure & Culture Trust and Suffolk County Council, as a contribution to the legacy of the National Year of Reading. The two authorities have quite contrasting demographics, authority structure and approaches.

The aims of the pilot were to prove the intrinsic value of reading and the positive impact that it can have upon a wide range of local and national priorities, with a view to embedding reading in all activity. Wigan was chosen for the pilot because of the good practice that was already taking place in the borough, particularly through the outreach activities of the Bookstart team. The pilot ran from July 2008 to June 2009 and a Reader Development Manager was appointed to undertake the work.

The project had three phases:

Mapping local activity and identifying gaps in provision
Delivering events to support Booktrust book giftings and in response to proposals from partners
Developing a strategy to take forward

There are a few important strands emerging, in addition to developing existing work and partnerships, however the most exciting is the proposed ‘Libraries’ Developing Reader Offer’. This will involve working closely with basic skills providers and BME coordinators to create a clear and consistent approach across the borough, to help support emergent readers.

We produced a five-minute video on the work of the pilot, that was very well received at the Booktrust National Conference in March 2009.
► View the Booktrust video
Running time: 5' 11" (Please note: the video file will run automatically using Windows Media Player).

Additionally, there is a final report containing full information on the Pilot.
► View Final Report Document

A link to Suffolk’s report, and more information on the pilot, can be found on the Booktrust website.

For more information on Wigan’s pilot, please contact Carole Ogden on 01942 486971 or email c.ogden@wlct.org

Children enjoying meeting 'Theo' - our Bookstart Bear!

Theo the Bookstart Bear reads with Wigan Athletic star Emmerson Boyce