Release Date:  22-Apr-2008

The Wind in the Willows: Bristol’s launch of the National Year of Reading

Readers young and old, are invited to join Mr Toad, Ratty and Mole at the City Museum and Art Gallery on Friday, April 25th for Bristol’s launch of the 2008, National Year of Reading.

It all takes place at 10.30am on the first floor gallery by the Gypsy Caravan, where characters from Kenneth Grahame’s The Wind in the Willows will be posing with copies of the classic novel. Libraries across the region will be encouraging everyone to read the The  Wind in the Willows and follow the adventures of Mr Toad and friends.

The event kicks off Bristol's year-long programme of events and activities for the National Year of Reading.

Bristol Libraries will also be operating a free 'join on the spot' service on Saturday, April 26 at the City Museum and Art Gallery as part of the national initiative 'Join A Library Day'. There will be giveaways of library goodies and the 'Ultimate Guide to Reading' for families becoming library members on the day. Copies of a library joining form will also be available from national newspapers and other outlets for people to cut out and join at any library in Bristol.

“The Wind in the Willows is a superb read,” says Councillor  Rosalie Walker, Bristol’s executive member for health and leisure. “It’s the perfect book for our 2008 launch and the city’s contribution to the National Year of Reading. “Bristol was the first UK city to promote a city-wide reading initiative and as a result we has an established tradition of successful reading projects. I’m sure everyone will want to get involved. Reading together, whether at home, in schools or in the workplace is a wonderful experience. For young readers and adult learners, reading is great fun and can make a real difference to building confidence and can open new doors to a world of opportunities.”

• The National Year of Reading is a year-long celebration of reading, in all its forms. It aims to help build a greater national passion for reading in England - for children, families and adult learners alike. The year aims to encourage people to read in businesses, homes, and communities around the country, providing new opportunities to read and helping people to access help and support through schools and libraries.

Author:  Helen Hewitt

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