Latest news with #BooksCouncilofWales
Rhyl Journal
7 days ago
- General
- Rhyl Journal
Summer Reading Challenge returns to libraries across Wales
This summer, they are at the heart of a nationwide reading challenge and a major investment in digital services. The annual Summer Reading Challenge, now underway, invites children to read at least six books of their choice, with rewards including a medal and certificate for those who complete it. Jack Sargeant, minister for culture, said: "Digitisation of library services is not just something that makes their use easier, but something which is essential for their longevity. "I'd like to extend a 'diolch' to Cyngor Gwynedd for their hard work to ensure every authority is able to use the platform easily." The challenge attracts more than 33,000 participants each year and is part-funded by the Welsh Government through the Books Council of Wales. Libraries across Wales are hosting story times and themed events during the summer holidays to encourage even more children to take part. Lynne Neagle, cabinet secretary for education, said: "We are once again funding the Summer Reading Challenge to ensure all children have the opportunity to enjoy reading during the summer holidays. "The Challenge helps capture children's imaginations and discover new authors and books, alongside developing their reading skills throughout the school holidays." A major step forward for Welsh libraries this year is the launch of a new digital platform. The £900,000 project, led by Cyngor Gwynedd, unites all 22 Welsh local authorities on a single system for the first time, making library services more accessible and user-friendly. Mr Sargeant said: "These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to ensuring libraries remain vibrant community hubs that inspire learning, creativity and connection across all ages. "Through digital innovation and engaging summer programmes, libraries continue to play a vital role in supporting literacy, learning and community cohesion throughout Wales."
South Wales Argus
09-08-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Gwent youngsters urged to take part in summer reading challenge
The summer reading challenge this year has the theme of 'Story Garden' and children are being urged to read at least six books, choosing from stories, graphic novels, non-fiction books, or audio books. Those joining in can unlock rewards, discover new reads, and receive a medal and certificate at the end. Public libraries are also running story times and themed activities throughout the summer to encourage children to join the challenge. The programme has been part funded by the Welsh Government via the Books Council of Wales. An all-Wales library digital platform costing £900,000 and bringing together all 22 Welsh authorities on the same system for the first time has also been launched. Minister for culture Jack Sargeant said: "Digitisation of library services is not just something that makes their use easier, but something which is essential for their longevity. "I'd like to extend a 'diolch' to Cyngor Gwynedd for their hard work to ensure every authority is able to use the platform easily. 'These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to ensuring libraries remain vibrant community hubs that inspire learning, creativity and connection across all ages. "Through digital innovation and engaging summer programmes, libraries continue to play a vital role in supporting literacy, learning and community cohesion throughout Wales.' Cabinet secretary for education and MS for Torfaen Lynne Neagle said: "We are once again funding the summer reading challenge to ensure all children have the opportunity to enjoy reading during the summer holidays. "The challenge helps capture children's imaginations and discover new authors and books, alongside developing their reading skills throughout the school holidays."
Leader Live
29-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Leader Live
Events and book review with Wrexham Library Service
The Tir na n-Og Awards are the oldest and most popular awards for children's literature in Wales. Established in 1976, the awards recognise, honour and promote excellence in books for children and young people. They are organised annually by the Department of Children's Books and Reading Promotion at the Books Council of Wales. The awards have been won by some of our leading authors, including Manon Steffan Ros, Jac Jones, Gareth F Williams, Catherine Fisher and Jackie Morris. Three prizes of £1,000 each are awarded annually to overall winner in three categories. Shortlists of both English and Welsh-language categories have been published and are available from your local library. For more information on these fabulous awards visit: Take a walk down memory lane at Coedpoeth Library Have you ever wondered how old a building is or when a club was formed? You can find out the answer at this special event which will explore the history of Coedpoeth with materials from the Coedpoeth Archives. The event will take place at the library on May 13, from 2pm-3pm and is free of charge. To reserve your place contact the library on or 01978 722920. Meet the Author at Wrexham Library We have a wonderful opportunity for you to meet award-winning travel writer and journalist Ben Aitken. Ben is the author of the successful and humorous book Sh*tty Break: A Celebration of Unsung Cities, which highlights the UK's unsung and quietly brilliant places - including our very own Wrexham! To find out what he got up to in Wrexham (spoiler: it involved karaoke at The Golden Lion and a 4-1 win against Barrow), join us for what we know will be a funny and illuminating evening. The event will take place on May 14, at 6pm and is free of charge but you must reserve your place by contacting the library on library@ or 01978 292090. Copies of Ben's book will be available to purchase on the evening. Friendship Groups Friendship Groups are a great way to prevent isolation and loneliness and offer you a chance to find companionship, too. Friends can also increase your sense of belonging and purpose, boost your happiness and reduce your stress. Many of our libraries hold Friendship Groups and each library offers a different activity or arrangement every week. So if you feel you need company or just want to make new friends why not come and join one of our groups. You will find them at Brynteg, Llay, Rhos and Ruabon libraries. Contact them directly for more information. Contact detail can be found Did you know…? Did you know we have a trade sticker swap session at Gwersyllt Library? If you are under 16 why not join us every Thursday afternoon? Bring one, take one and complete your collection. Open to children of all ages. Sorry - no adult traders are allowed! Book Review Friends of Dorothy by Sandi Toksvig Friends of Dorothy by Sandi Toksvig Number 4 Grimaldi Street did not look like the sort of house which might surprise you, however Stevie and Amber decide this could be their forever home. One huge problem, 79-year-old foul mouthed, straight talking and wise cracking Dorothy has other ideas. She has decided to remain put, and is squatting upstairs. This is a story about family that is not biological, about Mrs Haggerston the nosy neighbour, Dave de Van, and many more characters who have hopes and dreams, fears and ambitions, a desire to grab hold of life, second chances if only they can hold on and not lose their bottle, and make peace with the past. Would you if you could be bold and grab your chance to find happiness?
South Wales Argus
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Cardiff publisher prints endangered species children's book
'N is for Numbat' is an educational, illustrated book that introduces pre-school children to animals on the endangered species list. The book was published by Cardiff-based Candy Jar Books on March 27, 2025. It features animals such as the numbat, honey bee, killer whale, and Indian elephant, all of which are low in numbers. The book is aimed at children under five years old and is intended to encourage an early interest in animals and nature. Mr Stephenson said: "N is for Numbat is not just an alphabet book – it's an engaging tool for parents and educators to spark curiosity about wildlife conservation in young minds. "I hope children will be inspired by the unique creatures we share this planet with and learn the importance of protecting them." Candy Jar Books is an independent publishing house in Cardiff. Keren Williams, head of marketing, said: "We are so lucky to be working with Omri, he's such a creative writer and illustrator who really cares about educating the whole family about the natural world through his books. "He has shown through N is for Numbat that when it comes to learning your ABCs and saving endangered animals it's never too early to start." 'N is for Numbat' is now available and is being distributed by the Books Council of Wales, making it available at all good bookshops.
