‘Join A Library’ points will be in place across Manchester this weekend as the National Year of Reading 2008 prepares to launch in style.
'Join A Library Day' is a UK-wide event, taking place on Saturday 26 April as part of a national drive to get Britain reading.
Manchester's Library and Information Service is keen for people to take advantage of the numerous services that the city's libraries now offer including CD and DVD rental, free internet access, homework and revision sessions for students, school holiday activities for under-16s(including Bollywood dancing during May half term week!), family fun days and support networks.
Councillor Mike Amesbury, Assistant Executive Member for Arts & Leisure said: "Join A Library Day will hopefully focus people's attentions on what our libraries now have to offer and we encourage as many people as possible to come down to their local library or nearest stall on Saturday to speak to our staff and discover how their local library can benefit them."
The Join A Library initiative along with the National Year of Reading has generated celebrity support from local faces who recognise the importance of reading.
Samia Smith, best-known for her role as Maria Connor in Coronation Street said: "I'm supporting the National Year of Reading 2008, early reading increases your grasp and understanding of the English language which is so important when trying to express yourself and be heard in later life, whatever path you take." She adds: "I remember reading the Point Horror series when I was a teenager, I loved spooky stories, but wasn't that keen on romances."
A key message for the National Year of Reading and Join A Library Day is that reading is for everyone: From literary masterpieces, thrillers and comedies to biographies and reference books, Manchester's libraries offer them all absolutely free and any new members who sign up to their library on Saturday 26 April will have the chance to win a year's free DVD rental, while under-18s can win a bumper pack of 50 books.
Join A Library stalls will be at the following locations:
St. Ann's Square Piccadilly Gardens
Borders Cheetham Fort
Sainsbury's Heaton Park
Wythenshawe Forum
ASDA Longsight
ASDA East City
Sainsbury's Fallowfield
Didsbury Village
Anyone wanting to become a member of Manchester Libraries can join at any library in the city or even from the comfort of their own home by joining online. The website also includes online reference, search, renew and reserve facilities for ease and convenience.
Media contact:
Claire Keegan, tel: 0161 234 4014