19 February 2015
Jersey Library is teaming up with bestselling authors and national charity the Reading Agency to offer the Six Book Challenge.
The challenge aims to get more adults in Jersey reading for pleasure and Costa Coffee is encouraging participating readers with a free cup of coffee.
Since 2008 the Reading Agency’s annual Six Book Challenge has encouraged less confident readers across the UK to develop new reading habits and improve their skills at the same time.
Complete a reading diary
Participants are invited to pick six library books of their choice and complete a reading diary in order to receive incentives along the way, including their free cup of coffee. Reading diaries are available from Jersey Library, Les Quennevais Branch Library and the Mobile Library.
Bestselling authors Martina Cole, Andy McNab and Adele Parks are official ambassadors of the 2015 Six Book Challenge, and all completers will receive a certificate signed by them. They will also be entered into a prize draw if they complete before June 30 2015.
Those taking part in the challenge can also look out for the new range of Galaxy Quick Reads, available in the library from Monday 23 February 2015. These are bite-sized books by bestselling writers and celebrities, and are perfect for those wishing to get back into the reading habit or who find the thought of a larger novel daunting.
Reading and well-being
Quick Reads research looking at how reading can impact on people’s health and well-being has revealed that:
- people who read for just 30 minutes per week are 20% more likely to be satisfied with their lives
- 19% of readers said reading stopped them feeling lonely
- 43% of readers said reading helped them get a better night’s sleep
With lack of time cited as biggest barrier to picking up a book (42%), Quick Reads can be the perfect tool to help people back into reading.
Roddy Doyle, author of one of the new Quick Reads, said “I’m delighted to be involved with Quick Reads as they are all about creating new readers and I’ve seen first-hand how low levels of literacy have a negative effect on people’s lives. Literacy is the key to opening doors for everyone.”
Chief Librarian at Jersey Library, Ed Jewell, said “The more confident a reader you are the broader your horizons can become. You are better placed to explore the past, prepare for the future and make the most out of today. Combine literacy with a free Library card and you are nigh on unstoppable.”
Retail Foodservice Manager at SandpiperCI, Audrey Walker, said “A great book and great coffee can while away some stress free hours. Any initiative that encourages more people to read is clearly worth supporting. Costa Coffee Jersey is delighted to be involved in this year’s Six Book Challenge and we encourage as many people as possible to take up the challenge.”
gov.je