Six book challenge 2010 tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2008-10-23://22 2010-03-10T08:08:31Z Movable Type Pro 4.21-en New workplaces on board tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.2028 2010-03-10T08:05:40Z 2010-03-10T08:08:31Z Great to hear about Westminster's work with street cleaners, Royal Mail and Transport for London at the London Libraries conference.... Genevieve Clarke Great to hear about Westminster's work with street cleaners, Royal Mail and Transport for London at the London Libraries conference.

]]> Brent Libraries break all records tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.2027 2010-03-08T19:42:04Z 2010-03-10T21:54:49Z By early March Brent Libraries had registered 581 participants for the Challenge - exceeding their own targets and breaking all Six Book Challenge records. They've done this by adopting a strategic approach, feeding targets into their service operational plan and... Genevieve Clarke By early March Brent Libraries had registered 581 participants for the Challenge - exceeding their own targets and breaking all Six Book Challenge records. They've done this by adopting a strategic approach, feeding targets into their service operational plan and getting senior staff on board. Drawing on the model used for the Summer Reading Challenge, staff were given ownership of the scheme and asked to agree to ambitious recruitment targets for each library - 80 for their largest library in Willesden Green, 35 for their smallest libraries.

They decided to target a range of audience through existing partners - Brent Adult Community Education, the College of North West London, children's centres, Brent Homeless User Group and other smaller groups staff already had links with. Staff briefed tutors and agreed a timetable of visits to classes and learning centres so that Challenge participants can swap their books. The aim is to support 400 learners to complete the Challenge and to ask them to a celebration event in the library during Adult Learners' Week.

"It has been hard work and staff going out to classes have put in a lot of leg work.," says Adele Finch, Libraries Development Manager. "But to have 581 people take part in this Challenge, most of whom have never set foot in a library before and don't read regularly, makes it worth it."

]]> Ten new Quick Reads tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.2025 2010-03-03T21:07:02Z 2010-03-05T06:44:01Z Books by Rolf Harris, Andy McNab and Cathy Kelly are among ten new Quick Reads published on World Book Day 4 March, the fifth anniversary of this hugely successful initiative to bring reading to peope who have lost the habit... Genevieve Clarke Books by Rolf Harris, Andy McNab and Cathy Kelly are among ten new Quick Reads published on World Book Day 4 March, the fifth anniversary of this hugely successful initiative to bring reading to peope who have lost the habit or never got into it. The full list of new titles is:
• Last Night Another Soldier by Andy McNab
• The Perfect Holiday by Cathy Kelly
• The Perfect Murder by Peter James
• Doctor Who: Code of the Krillitanes by Justin Richards
• Hello Mum by Bernardine Evaristo
• Money Magic: Seven Simple Steps to True Financial Freedom by Alvin Hall
• Traitors of the Tower by Alison Weir
• We Won the Lottery: Real Life Winner Stories by Danny Buckland
• Life's Too Short: True Stories About Life at Work with foreword by Val McDermid
• Buster Fleabags by Rolf Harris

The Reading Agency has created an ideas guide and a writing pack to support the new titles downloadable from the Quick Reads website or the Reading Agency website where you can also find resources to support all the Quick Reads published since 2006.

New for 2010, Quick Reads are available to download direct to computers, phones and e-readers as eBooks. With a range of features, including screen reader capability, this a great interactive way to enjoy the books. To celebrate World Book Day, Quick Reads is exclusively offering one title - The Thief by Ruth Rendell - as a free download (see below), for one week only from 4th March 2010.Find out more.

]]> Six Book Challenge- Malvern Library tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.2023 2010-03-03T10:42:38Z 2010-03-03T21:05:56Z Judy, one of our Six Book Challengers, would like to recommend "East End Tales" by Gilda O'Neill and "A Dream Come True" by Maureen Lee, both Quick Reads. We also had an interesting debate on whether the Bible is fact... Niru Fallon Judy, one of our Six Book Challengers, would like to recommend "East End Tales" by Gilda O'Neill and "A Dream Come True" by Maureen Lee, both Quick Reads. We also had an interesting debate on whether the Bible is fact or fiction! We are hoping to read and enact "Dinnerladies" as part of the Challenge.

]]> Kilkenny Challenge Highly Commended tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.2018 2010-02-25T13:24:14Z 2010-02-25T13:28:53Z Kilkenny County Council Library Service received a Highly Commended Award for the Six Book Challenge at the recent Aontas Star Awards. The STAR Awards are presented by AONTAS (the National Adult Learning Organisation) to outstanding, learner-centred adult education projects that... Genevieve Clarke Kilkenny County Council Library Service received a Highly Commended Award for the Six Book Challenge at the recent Aontas Star Awards. The STAR Awards are presented by AONTAS (the National Adult Learning Organisation) to outstanding, learner-centred adult education projects that demonstrate high levels of collaboration amongst participant groups. The awards ceremony is held to showcase and acknowledge the work undertaken by adult learning projects throughout Ireland and celebrate the positive contribution that these projects make to our local communities.

Introduced by Kilkenny Library Service in 2009, the Callenge ran in partnership with a number of local agencies including Word Aid, National Learning Network, TASK, Rehab Care, Moving On Programme, SOS, KEY, St. Johns Parents Group and culminated in an evening of entertainment with music by Mick Hanly, stories by Peter Sheridan and presentation of certificates to all participants. Kilkenny is the first library authority in Ireland to take part in the challenge and Challenge organiser Trish Nolan is hoping their experience will encourage others to take part. The Challenge 2010 is underway is KIlkenny and receiving great interest so far. Galway and Cavan have also signed up this year.

"I had no interest in reading until I took part in the Six Book Challenge and joined the library" (Josie, Moving On Project)

"I love reading now since joining the Six Book Challenge. It's great to turn off from everything and get lost in a book." (Melanie, Moving On Project)

"I never picked up a book before and never had a notion of it. Now, with the help of my tutor, I'm able to make out new words myself and understand them. I'm on my third book since January and the first book I read I had a good laugh all the way through." (Nick, Word Aid)

]]> Tell us how you will be celebrating World Book Day and the new Quick Reads tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.2017 2010-02-25T13:17:06Z 2010-02-25T13:32:16Z Quick Reads author John Bird will be meeting Six Book Challenge participants on World Book Day at 1pm at Westminster Reference Library. Contact 020 76411300 or referencelibrarywc2@westminster.gov.uk to book a place.... Genevieve Clarke Quick Reads author John Bird will be meeting Six Book Challenge participants on World Book Day at 1pm at Westminster Reference Library. Contact 020 76411300 or referencelibrarywc2@westminster.gov.uk to book a place.

]]> TfL Reading Renegades - Bob's Bit tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.2015 2010-02-23T13:35:41Z 2010-02-23T13:40:25Z For the Renegades' next blog entry, we have some words of wisdom from our Bob. Bob is independently storming through the Challenge and would like to share his opinion. Take it away, Bob... This will be my second year of... Christine Brathwaite For the Renegades' next blog entry, we have some words of wisdom from our Bob. Bob is independently storming through the Challenge and would like to share his opinion.

Take it away, Bob...

This will be my second year of reading books on a regular basis thanks to the 6 Book Challenge.

At first, I found reading very difficult as I couldn't concentrate for a long length of time on things that were not geared towards my job. These low attention levels were highlighted a while ago when I was a member of the literacy course. It helped me greatly to pay more attention to detailed reading and also writing letters.

Now I regularly read at least two books a month and find it very enjoyable. I read all kinds of different books from autobiographies to science fiction. I have just finished two books by the author Stephen King. King's story lines are quite hard to follow so you need to concentrate when reading his novels!

I am now going on to AC Clark mysteries and thrillers by PD James.

The other benefits that everyone should be aware the Challenge offers are the prizes and discounts from Westminster libraries you can receive when taking part. I convey this to my colleagues in Operational Support when I spread the word about the Challenge.

Keep up the good work everyone and happy reading!

]]> Star Awards - Kilkenny Six Book Challenge Highly Commended ! tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.2014 2010-02-23T12:41:53Z 2010-02-23T12:47:47Z Hi, we were delighted to receive a Highly Commended award at the Aontas Star Awards yesterday. Aontas is the Irish National Adult Learning Association and the awards are presented to outstanding, learner-centred adult education projects. A big thank you and... Patricia Nolan Hi, we were delighted to receive a Highly Commended award at the Aontas Star Awards yesterday. Aontas is the Irish National Adult Learning Association and the awards are presented to outstanding, learner-centred adult education projects. A big thank you and congratulations to all of my colleagues in Kilkenny Library Service and all who participated in the challenge last year - this is your award.

Trish

]]> Six Book Challenge at Malvern Library tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.1993 2010-02-18T08:26:18Z 2010-02-18T09:08:35Z We launched the 2010 Six Book Challenge at Malvern Library on 11th of February. Working in partnership with our local college, South Worcestershire College at Malvern, we have a group of 15 readers participating this year. Its a lively group... Niru Fallon We launched the 2010 Six Book Challenge at Malvern Library on 11th of February. Working in partnership with our local college, South Worcestershire College at Malvern, we have a group of 15 readers participating this year. Its a lively group with lots of interest and enthusiasm. This year we are planning to use drama based techniques and read a play together. Our next meeting is on 3rd of March when we are going to discuss the first 2 books and choose a play!

]]> Six Book Challenge at Bolton Community College tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.1989 2010-02-16T11:37:43Z 2010-03-03T09:00:02Z We've just received all the materials at Bolton Community College and I'm looking forward to launching the 2010 Six Book Challenge with my students after half term. I'm also really pleased that after the success we had last year with... Kath Morgan We've just received all the materials at Bolton Community College and I'm looking forward to launching the 2010 Six Book Challenge with my students after half term. I'm also really pleased that after the success we had last year with students in a limited number of classes there are now more tutors who are keen to take this on board this year which is great news.We aim to make this year's challenge even more successful by introducing lots more of our students to start reading for pleasure.

]]> TfL Reading Renegades tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.1988 2010-02-16T11:28:04Z 2010-02-16T11:43:36Z The Challenge has been set and we have accepted it with open arms in the Learning Zone at Transport for London. Some of us are Challenge veterans and others Challenge newbies but a reading list has been set by our... Christine Brathwaite The Challenge has been set and we have accepted it with open arms in the Learning Zone at Transport for London.

Some of us are Challenge veterans and others Challenge newbies but a reading list has been set by our tutor to help anyone struggling to find an ideal read.

We open with a lively discussion about our reading habits. We detail what books we like to read ("I like my books like my films - based on real life events," says Mookthar) and our general reading habits. Several of us sheepishly confess that we don't read as often as we'd like to but hopefully the Challenge will help us (to paraphrase a line from the legendary film Top Gun) feel the need... the need to read.

What does the Challenge mean to us? Thriller lover (who has Dan Brown's latest in her bag) Ivana is pleased to be doing it again and Nallini sums up all our feelings with this statement:

"It's an effective tool to encourage the habit of reading. It exposes us to new vocabulary and native phrases as well as aiding our spelling."

Well said Nallini. Bring on book number one!

]]> TfL Reading Renegades tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.1987 2010-02-16T11:28:04Z 2010-02-16T11:28:49Z The Challenge has been set and we have accepted it with open arms in the Learning Zone at Transport for London. Some of us are Challenge veterans and others Challenge newbies but a reading list has been set by our... Christine Brathwaite The Challenge has been set and we have accepted it with open arms in the Learning Zone at Transport for London.

Some of us are Challenge veterans and others Challenge newbies but a reading list has been set by our tutor to help anyone struggling to find an ideal read.

We open with a lively discussion about our reading habits. We detail what books we like to read ("I like my books like my films - based on real life events," says Mookthar) and our general reading habits. Several of us sheepishly confess that we don't read as often as we'd like to but hopefully the Challenge will help us (to paraphrase a line from the legendary film Top Gun) feel the need... the need to read.

What does the Challenge mean to us? Thriller lover (who has Dan Brown's latest in her bag) Ivana is pleased to be doing it again and Nallini sums up all our feelings with this statement:

"It's an effective tool to encourage the habit of reading. It exposes us to new vocabulary and native phrases as well as aiding our spelling."

Well said Nallini. Bring on book number one!

]]> 112 AND STILL GOING STRONG! tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.1970 2010-02-10T18:32:41Z 2010-02-12T23:53:24Z It's full steam ahead for staff at Shop Direct at Raven Mill in Chadderton. ULR, Terry Dean has already got over 110 people signed up for the Six Book Challenge, and it's not even World Book Day! This is the... David Kendall It's full steam ahead for staff at Shop Direct at Raven Mill in Chadderton. ULR, Terry Dean has already got over 110 people signed up for the Six Book Challenge, and it's not even World Book Day! This is the second year the Challenge has been run at Raven Mill and it's attracted many new people. For some it is the chance to make some time for themselves and their learning, for others it is the chance to support a friend who would like to get back into reading for pleasure. The ULRs were supported by Shop Direct management who had given staff time to visit an Open Day for Learning where they could look at the books on offer and sign up for the Six Book Challenge. Oldham libraries had brought lots of books and are very keen to support the initiative.

]]> Raw Voices tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.1966 2010-02-08T16:35:01Z 2010-02-08T21:20:41Z I found the book very sad. It made me cry The book club was great, a chance to give my opinions and be listened to. Positive feedback and discussing problems with other people is good and helps to find solutions... Adele Finch I found the book very sad. It made me cry The book club was great, a chance to give my opinions and be listened to. Positive feedback and discussing problems with other people is good and helps to find solutions to major challenges instead of getting caught up in the worries and challenges of life.

Staying at home does not help but coming to the book club has helped in more ways than one. If you can keep going sometimes it helps.

]]> I am looking forward very much to doing the 6 book challenge tag:www.sixbookchallenge.org.uk,2010://22.1963 2010-02-08T16:30:08Z 2010-02-08T16:32:39Z Adele Finch