Reading’s hot this summer

Imagine going to the library and getting to keep the books you choose. This summer children across the UK will be coming away from libraries and play schemes with books and other reading-related treats, thanks to a partnership between the National Literacy Trust and the WHSmith Trust.

The 2007 programme was launched at an event in a Lambeth library on 26 July. Children will take part in reading-related activities, including a chance to decorate the library, before choosing their free books and receiving a WHSmith goodie bag.

RIF director Viv Bird said: “The partnership with WHSmith Trust enables us to help keep children with the most to gain excited about books and reading during the long summer break and beyond.”

Steve Clarke, Commercial Director of WHSmith said, “WHSmith is delighted to be supporting Summer Read again this year. We are committed to promoting literacy and life-long learning and we see our partnership with Reading Is Fundamental, UK as an excellent way to keep children reading and enjoying books during the summer holidays.”

The WHSmith Trust Summer Read 2007 will enable 3,500 children in 17 locations across the UK to choose and keep two free books. These children are targeted as those most likely to benefit from the chance to choose and keep books for themselves. WHSmith staff will be getting involved in distributing books and take part in other fun reading activities with children.

The WHSmith Summer Read is delivered by the National Literacy Trust initiative Reading Is Fundamental, UK (RIF). RIF promotes a love of reading among children and young people (aged 0-19) in areas of disadvantage and gives them the chance to choose free books to keep for themselves.

WHSmith Trust is an independent charity that aims to promote literacy and support the local community in which WHSmith staff and customers live and work.