If you can read, but you find it a chore and would never think of doing it for pleasure, read on! Nottingham City libraries are taking part in the BBC RaW - Read More and Write Better – campaign, which aims to encourage more people to get enjoyment out of reading.

Quick Reads

World Book Day 2006 was used to launch Quick Reads; books by household names like Ruth Rendell, Joanna Trollope and Richard Branson. If you are put off by masses of print, or simply short of time, they could be just the thing for you!

They are fast paced and written in accessible language with well spaced type. All are designed to be enjoyed in their own right. The first dozen have proved to be very popular with library customers and new titles have been added to the selection. To find out more about Quick Reads and what is available visit www.niace.org.uk/quickreads.

Quick Reads are available to borrow in all City Libraries, and can be reserved if they are on loan. They are also available in both cassette and CD versions, for which a charge may be payable. Other short books written by a variety of lesser-known, but no less entertaining, authors are also available.

Pick up your free copy of the RaW magazine with celebrity interviews, puzzles and general interest articles (and more information on RaW), from any City library.

Stories for the Family

Studies show that children who enjoy reading tend to do better at school, as well as having an exciting and absorbing leisure interest. Children who can’t yet read can benefit from sitting with parents and carers to experience books and stories.

Currently RaW is focussing on encouraging families to enjoy stories together, with loads of ideas on sharing stories even if you cannot read well. For a free storytelling pack phone the RaW helpline on 0800 0150950 or visit www.bbc.co.uk/raw for more information.

There are regular story sessions and rhyme times, as well as other reading and writing activities for all ages in Nottingham City libraries. To find out what activities are going on in your nearest library, pop in or give them a ring. Everyone is welcome.

Finding out more

If you know of any individuals or groups who would benefit, or if you would like to know more about the RaW campaign and how it can help you, please contact Gary Hall gary.hall@nottinghamcity.gov.uk or phone 0115 9151170.