Willie Rennie donates children's books to Kincardine library

4.12.56pm BST (GMT +0100) Wed 19th Jul 2006

WILLIE RENNIE MP CELEBRATES CHILDREN'S READING AND WRITING

MP donates children's books to Kincardine library

Local MP, Willie Rennie, celebrated the success of children's literature today at a House of Commons reception held by the All Party Parliamentary Group on Libraries and Information Management.

Speaking after the event, Mr Rennie said:

"To get more readers, reading more we need to harness the power of public libraries.

"What's most exciting is that the range and quality of children's books is better than ever, and working in partnership with publishers and booksellers, libraries can help expand the market. They help children get the reading habit early, and make it possible for parents and carers to give children a huge variety of books. I am pleased to support the Summer Reading Challenge, and happy to present Kincardine Library with a donation of books courtesy of The Reading Agency's publishing partners.'

The All Party Group heard how children's book borrowing from public libraries is increasing thanks to the hard work of librarians and partner organisations, and schemes like the Summer Reading Challenge. The Summer Reading Challenge is organised by The Reading Agency and takes a powerful new, and nationally co-ordinated approach, to inspiring children to read.

Every year, more and more children take part in the Summer Reading Challenge, undertaken in partnership with public libraries and supported by children's publishers. This year an amazing 700,000 children are expected to take part across the UK.