Councillor signs up to the Bookstart Pledge – will you?

 

Cheshire East Councillor David Brown today gave his support to the largest book-reading programme in the world.

The Cabinet member with responsibility for performance and capacity has signed up to the Bookstart Pledge – promising to read 20 books to children in 2012.

The campaign, which this year celebrates its 20^th Anniversary, asks families to share books with each other and encourage children to read.

Councillor Brown said: “I was more than happy to sign up for the Bookstart Pledge and I will be encouraging my fellow councillors to do the same. Whether you are a parent, an auntie, uncle, friend or grandparent – like me – it’s vital we share books with children.

“The importance of having good reading skills and enjoying books cannot be underestimated; reading boosts knowledge, understanding and encourages an active imagination.

“Most importantly, the Bookstart Pledge is about having fun and spending time with your loved ones. Our libraries offer a wealth of reading material on all manner of topics – our staff are looking forward to helping families pick their 20 books over the coming months.”

All Cheshire East Council’s libraries will have information on how to sign up for the Bookstart Pledge. All those who sign up will be given a special postcard to fill in, which also includes a free bookmark.

The Bookstart campaign has attracted a host of famous authors, who have also made the pledge. They include Tracy Beaker author, Jacqueline Wilson and the author of War Horse, Michael Morpurgo. Newsnight presenter, Kirsty Wark and star of the TV series Outnumbered, Hugh Dennis, have also signed the Bookstart Pledge.