Blooming good scheme to sow seeds of reading
Warwickshire’s library service is launching its adult reading campaign for the year with a focus on enjoying a good read in the open air.
‘Blooming Good Reads’ sees libraries looking to promote reading in the open air and is a link with the BBC’s RaW and Breathing Places countrywide campaigns which are looking to increase involvement with nature, wildlife and the environment.
Libraries are giving away mystery bags where staff have included books, fiction and non-fiction, which tie in to the promotion’s green theme. Each library also has a family ticket worth around £20 to be won for Dobbies Garden Centre in Atherstone. This offers the chance to explore the Plantasia Centre, an interactive experience for all the family which explains the importance to the environment of plants and water.
Local author Rosie Goodwin is also performing at Atherstone Memorial Hall and will be discussing her rewrites of Catherine Cookson’s Tilly Trotter series on 20 April. Tickets are available by calling the library on 01827 712395 or from Sit-a-While bookshop in Atherstone.
Alison McKellar, principal librarian, said: “This campaign is aimed at increasing the interest of adults in reading. We hope that it also has the effect of making people more aware of the beauty of nature and the need to look after it.”
Warwickshire County Council’s cabinet member for Environment and Economy, Cllr Martin Heatley said: “I’m pleased that libraries are encouraging people to look at environmental issues. They are very influential in providing information and can play a massive role in educating people about what we need to do to look after the planet.”
Anna Guerra of Wolston said: "There are few things as relaxing as sitting under a tree on a nice day with a good book. There is something especially relaxing about reading a few pages, then pausing to watch the world go by before returning to the book."