UNISON ULRs across the country have been using reading initiatives from The Reading Agency, a national charity that helps people to become confident readers, to inspire members and colleagues to get back into books over recent months.

The Newcastle City Branch celebrated this year’s World Book Night with two events in the city in partnership with City Library that both highlighted the branch’s commitment to the Reading Ahead challenge.

Participants in the events at Westgate Community College and at Civic Centre were able to use book swaps and enter a free raffle at both locations, with prizes including World Book Night titles, signed books by award-winning local author Mari Hannah and tote bags from The Reading Agency.

In addition, there were free books and a World Book Night factsheet that included additional learning activities.

UNISON Branch Lifelong Learning Co-ordinator Evan Peck said:

Both events were well attended and there was a great atmosphere created with further readers signing up for our Reading Ahead challenge.”

Once again the Quick Reads proved very popular, especially with The Beach Wedding by Dorothy Koomson being one of the listed World Book Night 2018 Books.”

Meanwhile staff at Kirklees Council in West Yorkshire have taken part in the Reading Ahead challenge for the first time this year with the support of UNISON learning rep Michael Pogson and Kirklees Libraries staff.

Michael started enrolling participants in February after putting posters up on noticeboards throughout Kirklees Flint Street offices in Huddersfield and promoting the initiative in the monthly building newsletter that goes to all staff.

The eight people who took part, most of them environmental health workers, collected their certificates at an event last month.

Mike says that working with Kirklees librarian Leah Clark was very helpful as she was able to supply participants with books.

Mike explained:

It was a real partnership between UNISON and Kirklees Libraries.”

We’re now talking to Leah to find other places in the council where we can run Reading Ahead – including the building where new ULR Carole-Ann Gleadall works.”