National Year of Reading 2008

2008 is an important year for books, reading and libraries. That’s because it has been selected to be a National Year of Reading. The last National Year of Reading was in 1998 and we, at Wigan Libraries, are determined to shout about it!

► National Year of Reading News Page
► National Year of Reading Events Page
► Summer Events 2008 [PDF]
► Links to Useful Websites

Join the celebrations!

Latics star Kevin Kilbane and friends

We will be planning lots of events, for all age groups, across our borough’s libraries. Some of the events may be familiar to you, whilst others will be brand new ideas! Above all 2008 is a year to celebrate reading, and the celebration officially kicked off in April.

Read a good book recently? Why not share your thoughts about it with us by sending a review of it to bookreviews@wlct.org? Don't forget to include your first name, your age and your local library. We'll feature the best reviews on our website.

Each month throughout the year has a theme, and on these pages you will be able to see what’s happening in the borough to mark the occasion. We’re also working closely with the rest of Wigan Leisure and Culture Trust, so the events planned will take place in lots of different venues across the borough, and there really will be something for everyone.

Want to get involved?

There are plenty of ways you can get involved, but here are just a few ideas we’ve come up with:

1. If you’re not yet a library member, what’re you waiting for? It’s free to join and a great way to get reading!
► Library Membership Form [PDF]

2. Check out what’s happening in your local area – the library is a good place to start – so that you can be part of the action.

3. Why not bookmark this web page, so that you can check back throughout the year for updates?

4. Why not join – or set up – a reading group?

5. There’s plenty that’ll be happening over the year, so please feel free to volunteer so that you can help make 2008 a year to remember.

6. Write a review of your favourite book, and call into your local library with it. A selection of our favourite reviews will appear on this website, and you'll be given a special wristband (whilst stocks last!) to thank you for your contribution.

► Book Review Form
► Book Review Hints and Tips
► Sample Book Reviews

What surprises are in store?

Well now, that would be telling, wouldn’t it? Let’s just say that there’ll be one or two major events each month, that we’ll feature on this website as soon as we can tell you about them!

Image: Stuart Maconie and Leah Hackett
Stuart Maconie and Leah Hackett celebrate National Year of Reading 2008

Image: Latics footballer Kevin Kilbane with WLCT Executive Director Pete Gascoigne
Latics footballer Kevin Kilbane with
WLCT Executive Director Pete Gascoigne