National Year of Reading Wales

Education Minister Jane Hutt officially launched the National Year of Reading in Wales on March 13th. The launch, organised by the Welsh Books Council, will saw the Minister together with Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas and Deputy Minister for Skills John Griffiths set an ambitious challenge to the people of Wales to arrange and participate in 2008 reading activities during the year.

The Welsh Assembly Government recently designated 2008 as the National Year of Reading in Wales to highlight the importance of reading and literacy amongst the people of Wales.

Jane Hutt said: “Reading is the most important building block for educational achievement and equality of opportunity - that is why we have invested over £350,000 over two years for a National Year of Reading here in Wales. The year of activities will be a fantastic opportunity to highlight the importance of reading and to celebrate the joy and pleasure from the written word.

“We need to take every opportunity to convince children, and many adults, that reading is a skill that is fundamental in just about every aspect of life. I want all those with an interest in reading to join me in taking part in not one but 2008 reading activities during the year.”

Heritage Minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: “Encouraging people of all ages to read more is an important aim for this government. That is why we have committed in the One Wales document to work with local authorities to invest in our public library network. I would encourage everyone in Wales to get involved with the National Year of Reading 2008, as reading really can open up new worlds in your imagination.”

During the launch, pupils from Ysgol y Bedol, Garnant, near Ammanford, had the opportunity to listen to a story being read by two Welsh celebrities. The Welsh hero, Simon Weston read a story in English whilst TV presenter Angharad Mair read to a group in Welsh. Commenting on the importance of books and reading, Simon Weston said, “Reading has been a great source of comfort for me, particularly during quieter times. I love to get lost in somebody else’s world whilst reading a book – the written word is a wonderful form of escapism for me.”

The Ministers will officially launch the year by presenting 360 books to each Library Authority in Wales to be shared amongst a range of local community groups in their local area including local hospitals, prisons, community centres and residential care homes.

The Welsh Books Council was invited to coordinate the year in Wales and will work with a number of key partners in particular the Education and Libraries services as well as the voluntary and business sectors. The launch is the start of a calendar of exciting events involving all sectors of the community across Wales.

Commenting on the role of coordinating the year, Gwerfyl Pierce Jones Director of the Welsh Books Council said, “As the lead organisation in this major campaign, we will work with a host of partners to create maximum impact and to ensure that everyone recognises the power and pleasure of reading.”

Delyth Humphreys, National Year of Reading Coordinator at the Welsh Books Council added, “We’re hoping to harness the enthusiasm created during the day and build on it during the year. There’s an open invitation to all the people of Wales to be involved in the activities surrounding the National Year of Reading 2008 from picking up a book in a library through to hosting local events - everyone’s welcome!”

For further details about how participate in the National Year of Reading in Wales visit
www.yearofreadingwales.org.uk