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NYR on the launchpad

31.03.08 Tom Tivnan

As the National Year of Reading kicks off tomorrow, The Reading Agency is launching a new initiative aimed at getting schools and libraries to work more closely together.

The Enjoying Reading programme, backed with funding from the Department of Children, Schools and Families (DCSF), launches on 1st April. The initiative will feature a dedicated website (www.enjoyingreading.org.uk) which aims to show schools and libraries how they can best collaborate. Other resources available are booklets for schools and new practical materials linked to the Summer Reading Challenge, the scheme to keep children reading over the summer holidays.

Jim Knight, schools minister, said: "The DCSF believes more joined up working between schools and libraries can make a big difference and is funding the Enjoying Reading initiative to provide inspiration, ideas and practical support. The National Year of Reading is the perfect time to start to strengthen this alliance."

The website was created in consultation with teachers, librarians and educational advisers. It has case studies of schools and libraries working together, a "bank of ideas" for teachers and library staff, and a discussion forums for sharing ideas.

Other partners in the programme are the National Literacy Trust, the School Library Association, the Society of Chief Librarians, the Association of Senior Children's and Education Librarians and the Museums, Libraries and Archives Council.

tom tivnan National Year of Reading NYR

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