This page deals with those who find reading difficult because of poor LITERACY, and also those unused to a reading culture such as YOUNG PEOPLE; MEN & BOYS; PRISONERS (see also Fathers & Mothers in Prison in the 'Families' page); There is a BACKGROUND Information section including staff training, and a section on DYSLEXIA; For 2008, there is now a section on the NATIONAL YEAR OF READING (NYOR)

Main Related Pages on this Wiki:

• Families
• Looked After Children
• Language

NB To see the guide to the abbreviations used to indicate original sources see the Social Inclusion Information main page

New Stuff

• Opening Doors is the name of the National Youth Agency's new free monthly eBulletin aimed at practitioners, managers and policy makers in organisations and partnerships which provide positive activities for young people. Positive activities cover areas including arts, culture, sport, recreation and volunteering as well as youth work. Each edition will include a news and policy round-up and provide information on examples of good practice, new research and resources, consultations, training opportunities, funding and more. To receive future editions of Opening Doors please email: ritak@nya.org.uk (MLA News ebulletin Nov 2008)
• Difficulty with Dyslexia - Texthelp is at hand! - information sheet attached to the foot of the page.
• “Engaging the disengaged. What role for library and information services in the NEETs (Not in Education, Employment or Training) agenda?” 18 Nov 2008, CILIP, London, 9am-4.30pm - CILIP's new Executive Briefing addresses how best to secure high levels of participation from young people in public services so that libraries can contribute significantly towards a NEET agenda, which includes: Preventing young people from becoming NEET; Intervening with those at risk; Sustaining young people on progression pathways. For details of programme, speakers and how to book, see: http://www.cilip.org.uk/interests/execbriefings/neets/index.html. (WTYL 03/11/08)
• Literacy changes lives: an advocacy resource http://www.literacytrust.org.uk:80/research/literacy_changes_lives.html "This document pulls together existing research about the impact of literacy on five areas in a person's life: economic, aspirations, family life, health and civic/cultural engagement. It presents overwhelming evidence that literacy has a significant relationship with a person’s happiness and success. It gives a clear indication of the dangers of poor literacy and also the benefits of improving literacy for the individual, the community, the workforce and the nation." Summary and full reports available to download from this weblink. (WTYL 27/10/08)
• Developing reading skills through home languages - New resource published by the Redbridge Ethnic Minority Advisory Team. It was developed to help schools engage ethnic minority parents who cannot read English, or are not familiar with how reading is taught in school, to support their children with reading at home. The document outlines issues with EAL pupils and their reading skills, the benefits of reading in the home language, and illustrates case studies from schools that implemented the project and evidences their subsequent findings. Cost is £50.00 (including p&p). The resource comprises one spiral-bound document and two accompanying CDs. Further information from Susan Bagel, tel: 020 8553 4511. (WTYL 13/10/08 and refed, http://www.refugeeeducation.co.uk/mailing.htm)
• Libraries & Adult Learning http://nds.coi.gov.uk/Content/Detail.asp?ReleaseID=380816&NewsAreaID=2 Announcement by DIUS of the proposals to open up public buildings (including libraries) to adult learning groups. (WTYL 13/10/08)
• Teen Librarian Blog (http://teenlibrarian.com/joomla2/index.php) has lots of useful information for School and Public Librarians trying to cater for Teen interests. For example, there's information on Urban Lit aimed at that age group, and ideas for Teen Library websites.
• Multicultural Books and History: from local to global. Centre for Literacy in Primary Eduscation (CLPE)’s 5th Multicultural Book Fair takes place on Wednesday 1st October, 12 noon to 6.30 pm at the Centre for Literacy in Primary Education, Webber Street (corner with Webber Row), London SE1 8QW. Contact Ann Lazim, CLPE Librarian ann@clpe.co.uk for further information (Tel: 020 7902 2287). This year there is a focus on History, from local to global in the accompanying programme of events: The Story Spinner, an award winning collection of stories told on film, by veteran storyteller Phil McDermott and created especially for use in primary schools (www.thestoryspinner.co.uk); Advisory teachers Jane Handscomb and Sue Henderson introduce a training pack, developed in Newham, for teaching the History Curriculum at KS1 and KS2. The pack, published by Mantra Lingua, aims to extend children’s perspectives and avoid Eurocentric approaches to History (www.mantralingua.com); Helena Stride, Head of Education at the Imperial War Museum will talk about resources for Black History available at the museum and their current exhibition From War to Windrush (www.iwm.org.uk); and Alma Simpson and Helena Appio introduce this new pack linked to the National Curriculum at KS2 and KS3 and published by Sugar Media (www.sugarmedia.co.uk www.blackhistorymonthuk.co.uk) (WTYL 30/09/08)
• StoryTools: http://cogdogroo.wikispaces.com/StoryTools This is a super resource, listing tools that you can use to tell stories. Why would you want to tell stories I hear some of you ask. Well, I would if you had a microphone and I had my speakers turned on, but that's another story. Great for educational use with children for example, or for training purposes, or to make a point in a library (why it's a good/bad idea to xyz in the library) and so on. This site is broken down into several parts: Slideshow tools; Timeline tools; Mixer tools; Comic tools; Scrapbook tools; Map tools; Flickr tools; Audio tools; Video tools; Presentation tools; New tools. We're looking at over 60 different annotated tools, plus a few rejects. This is a fantastic place to start exploring story tools; "You've a story to tell, and you tell it so well, but the story's not in the lines on a page; the story's in the lines on your face" (Phil Bradley's Weblog 27/08/08: http://philbradley.typepad.com/phil_bradleys_weblog/2008/08/storytools.html )
• Guidelines from Ofsted on supporting White boys with learning http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/Ofsted-home/Publications-and-research/Documents-by-type/Thematic-reports/White-boys-from-low-income-backgrounds-good-practice-in-schools/(language)/eng-GB (originally from The Network Blog 28th July 2008: http://www.seapn.org.uk/blog.asp?page_id=48&blog_id=1&entry_id=49 )
• National Year of Reading – Ideas to Inspire packs http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/vitallink/readingforpleasureideas.html#ideas The Vital Link libraries and adult literacy programme, together with the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), have created a series of ideas packs for practitioners working with adults in a range of different settings. Each contains a list of top ten ideas, case studies and a section on useful resources. The ideas packs include themes that may be useful for those working with refugees and asylum seekers or with migrants, eg ESOL learners, New readers. (WTYL 15/09/08) Fletcher's new bakery at Wadsley Bridge now has a Learning Centre teaching Skills for Life courses to staff. This was set up in conjunction with Northern College: (The Star 25th August: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Skills-for-life-boost-at.4421221.jp) Staff have been joining in with the Six Book Challenge: http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Bakers-under-the-covers.4337384.jp
• Prison Libraries: The PL's Group 2008 conference is 'Seeing the Bigger Picture', 7-8 October, Leicestershire: www.cilip.org.uk/specialinterestgroups/bysubject/prison/conferences . Update magazine also had an article on the 'African Prison Project': http://www.africanprisons.org/ which will feature in the conference as well. (UM 7 (9) September 2008)
• An article in the Public Library Journal looks at Reader Development in Wirral Libraries: A Revolution in Reading by Jane Davis, Jen Tomkins and Stephanie Roberts. The authors describe the 'Get Into Reading' project, an innovative approach to reading groups. The project uses literature to work with people who have mental and physical health problems or suffer other forms of social exclusion. The article details the positive outcomes for participants, staff and the library service and provides recommendations for other authorities. Contact jentomkins@thereader.org.uk . There is a pdf of the article here: http://www.cilip.org.uk/NR/exeres/CADA08FC-AD63-4F58-9578-162EDD062542 (CILIP, PLJ Sept 2008)
• Young Offenders' and Archives' 'Groundbreaking' Exhibition The MLA Yorkshire initiative, 'Changes in Society', which saw young offenders in North Yorkshire gain new skills and a new perspective by using archive resources to explore prison history, has culminated in a touring exhibition described as 'groundbreaking' in an article posted on the national 24 Hour Museum website. The 'Changes in Society' initiative, funded jointly through Museums and Archives Alive! and Their Past Your Future 2, has also resulted in two learning journeys on the My Learning website: 'Changes in Society - Managing an Exhibition' and 'Crime & Punishment - Sophia Constable' (www.mylearning.org). The exhibition will visit libraries throughout North Yorkshire until the end of August 2009 and may also visit some of the prison education services in the region. Neighbouring regions, Hull and Durham, are already keen on using it. The hope is that it will become an active tool within the education services of young offender institutes and become accessible to the wider group of practitioners working with young offenders on similar schemes.O To see the full website article, visit: http://www.24hourmuseum.org.uk/nwh_gfx_en/ART59978.html (MLAY news ebulletin Sept 2008)

Literacy

• The Quality in Libraries Award run by Read on Write Away! (Rowa!) provides a structure for achieving excellence in Skills for Life provision in libraries. The programme can be run in public, mobile, school, FE, prison, medical and specialist libraries, and Gypsy & Travellers centres. Lynn Ludditt, and Sue Atkinson talk about the award in an article in Update: 'Training Staff to support the Skills for Life agenda'. (UM 7 [7-8] July/ August 2008 pp35-37, Lynn Ludditt, QLA Consultant, Read on-Write Away!, Smedley Street, Matlock, DE4 3AG, 01246 204851; lynn.ludditt@derbyshire.gov.uk)
  UNESCO have a new international symbol for information literacy which you can download from: http://www.infolitglobal.info/logo/ (DCU Library Blog: http://dculibrary.wordpress.com/2008/08/28/information-literacy-logo/ 28/08/08)
• The Queens Library Foundation raises funds for Queens Library in New York, in order to provide exceptional and innovative programmes and services to enrich the lives of the people of Queens. Click link above to watch the DVD, Enriching Lives: Four Stories : http://www.queenslibrary.org/index.aspx?page_nm=enrich (10mins) to see how Queens Library impacts positively on the lives of four residents (Enmi: New American succeeds; Sydelle: Senior enjoys life; Kessler: Teen builds a future; Diane: Adult literacy brings new opportunities). (WTYL 05/05/08)
• The Vital Link has recently created a new advocacy leaflet to support the library offer for adults who are improving their skills and to mark the National Year of Reading. Sample copies will be distributed to all library authorities in England. To order multiple copies, email your order to resources@readingagency.org.uk giving your full name, job title, organisation, postal address, telephone number and email address. (WTYL 28/04/08)
• As in previous years, The Vital Link libraries and adult literacy programme has created resources to support use of the new Quick Reads titles. These provide a ‘way in’ to using the books in a range of settings through ideas for discussion and extension activities. They also include suggestions for other reading materials, printed and online, and curriculum references for the main learning points. The ten individual files, along with resources to support Quick Reads published in 2006 and 2007, are available to download from: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/vitallink/index.html . (WTYL 28/04/08)
• Adult Learners Week – Cultural Diversity Weekend 17 & 18 May 2008 http://www.niace.org.uk:80/alw/2008/providers/examples.htm Cultural Diversity Weekend is on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May 2008. For many people it is the starting point for their Adult Learners’ Week activity. The Weekend enables an opportunity to organise activities which celebrate the similarities and differences that exist in Britain today. (WTYL 14/04/08)
• A nationwide campaign to boost public library membership will launch in April, with a standardised library joining form to be issued in a tabloid newspaper. The campaign is part of the work of the National Year of Reading. See: http://www.thebookseller.com/news/52814-tabloid-campaign-to-recruit-library-users.html (WTYL 10/03/08)
• A new set of ten Quick Reads published, costing £1.99 each, have been published for World Book Day (6th March). For more information, see: http://www.worldbookday.com/ or www.quickreads.org.uk (WTYL 03/03/08) http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/index.php?id=2
• The Reading Agency has just launched its latest version of the website, Their Reading Futures (TRF). TRF is the online resource which provides training, information and news for all library staff, inspiring and supporting their reading work with children, young people, families and schools - especially important in this National Year of Reading. The new-look TRF website offers a Best Practice Centre, e-Learning Centre and even includes a TRF Coffee Break Discussion area for sharing your ideas and experiences. For more information just log on to the website at: www.theirreadingfutures.org.uk (MLA E bulletin March 2008)
• Southampton Libraries, in partnership with the Council's Adult & Community Learning Directorate have employed a Learning Officer to run a 'Library Licence' introductory course for basic skills learners. Those on the programme learn how to make enquiries, borrow material, and use the People's Network, as well as basic IT Skills. This leads on to membership of a 'Library Club' and there is also a Reading Group for borrowers with learning disabilities. Future plans for this successful scheme include adapting the Library Licence for ESOL groups and hearing impaired people. See Richard Ashman ( richard.ashman@southampton.gov.uk ) and Sarah Taggart's (sarah.taggart@southampton.gov.uk ) article in Update Magazine (UM 7 (1-2) Jan/Feb 2008 pp58-59)
• Sarah McNicol in her 'Library Research: Children & Young People' blog, comments on the National Literacy Trust's survey into 'what's hot and what's not for 2008'. Reading for pleasure should be 'very hot' and other hot topics include: adolescent literacy, the National Year of Reading, English as a second language, family literacy, social inclusion, informational texts (wider aspects of reading). See: http://youthlibraryresearch.blogspot.com/2008/01/reading-for-pleasure-hot-literacy-topic.html There's also a link to the survey: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/research/What%27s_hot_2008.pdf?dm_i=210471013 (31/01/08: http://youthlibraryresearch.blogspot.com/ )
• A passion for reading: where does it fit into Skills for Life? Wed 12 Mar, Birmingham, 10.00am -3.40pm. The Vital Link libraries and adult literacy conference for the National Year of Reading. (The Vital Link is a programme of The Reading Agency connecting libraries and adult literacy to inspire new readers). Organised by The Reading Agency and the National Literacy Trust, in association with LLU+ at London South Bank University. For full programme, who should attend and how to book see http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/vitallink/conference08.html (WTYL 21/01/08)
• Children Webmag has pieces on the Imagination Library in Rotherham, and Parents in Prison on 2nd January: http://www.childrenwebmag.com/articles/news-views/news-views-3
• There is an article by Elenore Fisher of Rotherham Libraries on the Dolly Parton Imagination Library project beginning in Rotherham on Carl Clayton's SINTO Blog: http://sintoblog.blogspot.com/2008/01/imagination-library-in-rotherham.html
• The Star (Sheffield) picked up on Santa's potential to encourage reading and writing in their small piece about the Grotto at John Lewis's http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Santa-shows-reading-skills.3598679.jp (www.thestar.co.uk 18/12/07)
• Practical details of the Imagination Library scheme in Rotherham begin to emerge. The scheme will cost up to £350,000 per year. Rotherham Chamber of Commerce are going to pay for the first year, and other local charities, businesses and individuals have also shown an interest in sponsoring children. The Council have committed to keep the scheme going. http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/Dolly-book-club-shocker.3591655.jp (www.thestar.co.uk 14/12/07)
• The online word game, FreeRice, aims to improve your vocabulary whilst raising money for the World's hungry. The game asks you to test your vocabulary (automatically adjusting with use to a level appropriate for the player), and with each word played 20 grains of rice are donated to the UN World Food Programme. http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/archives/2007/12/17/play-a-game-to-feed-some-people.html (The Shifted Librarian blog, 17/12/07)
• Article on the fifth anniversary of The Reading Agency in Update Magazine by Miranca McKearney looking at work with libraries in reader development projects. (UM Dec 2007 Vol 6 (12) pp38-41)
• More on Dolly's visit to Rotherham: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/7129005.stm and http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/7126472.stm (BBC News S Yorks 5th Dec 2007) and Carl Clayton's SINTO Blog 6th Dec 2007: http://sintoblog.blogspot.com/2007/12/dolly-parton.html
• Dolly Parton will launch the first UK Imagination Library at the town's Magna centre on 5 December. The Imagination Library involves posting children a new book every month until the age of five. BBC SYorks News: 30th Nov 2007 http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/south_yorkshire/7121708.stm

• London Libraries Development Agency, London Health Commission and MLA London are running five year long pilots of Skilled for Health learning sessions in five London boroughs. The sessions are to help disadvantaged adults (eg migrants, ex-offenders, young mothers & the homeless), to improve their helath and well-being while developing literacy, language or numeracy skills. (UM 6 (11) Nov 2007 pg 15)
• The UK Literacy Association has been researching teachers' use of libraries and their knowledge of children's literature in how they teach literacy (Teachers as Readers project). Findings from phase I show a lack of links between primary teachers and their local libraries. Phase II aims include exploring models of collaboration between schools and libraries. The research is being led by Prue Goodwin, p.e.goodwin@reading.ac.uk , Lecturer in Literacy and Education, University of Reading [how appropriate!!!, Gilly] (UM 6 (11) Nov 2007 p15)
• The KPMG Foundation provides grants for projects with disadvantaged people, with particular emphasis on unlocking the potential of children and young people up to 30 years of age. Particular groups of interest include; Refugees; Young offenders; Children and young people who have been in care; Children and young people with dyslexia/literacy difficulties. The Foundation considers applications once a year, and throughout the year they capture all organizations keen to apply for funding on a database. If you would like your details added to the database email kpmgfoundation@kpmg.co.uk. Once the Trustees agree a funding date they will write to all organisations on the database providing them with details of how to apply. For further information visit: http://www.kpmg.co.uk/about/foundation/ap.cfm (WTYL 15/10/07)
• Gatehouse Books http://www.gatehousebooks.co.uk/
  Publishes adult beginner reader books and resources for use in Adult Literacy and ESOL. Their growing portfolio not only includes books but also audio-cassettes, interactive CD-ROMs and educational resources suitable for adult and post-14 basic skills learners. (WTYL 29/10/07)
• www.whichbook.net offers readers a new way to choose book titles, using intuitive criteria such as 'funny, violent, romantic, unpredictable, sad or easy' etc rather than conventional selection by author or genre. (UM 6 (9) Sept 2007 pg 23)
• For information about/ promotional material for the Six Book Challenge for emergent readers run by The Reading Agency in association with Costa Book Awards contact ruth.harrison@readingagency.org.uk or see http://www.readingagency.org.uk/SixBookChallenge.html (UM 6 (9) Sept 2007 pg 22)
• New Leaf Publishing http://www.newleafbooks.org.uk/mainpage2.htm This is the only British publisher dedicated to publishing books written for and by adult learners. New Leaf aim to make reading and writing accessible to adults who lack confidence and who do not necessarily see themselves as readers and writers. Audio CDS are available to accompany all Beginner Reader books. For more background about New Leaf see also
  http://www.basic-skills.co.uk/sharingpractice/detail.php?
  SharingPracticeID=371654163 (WTYL 17/09/07)
• www.gatesfoundation.org/GlobalDevelopment/GlobalLibraries/ links to brochures about The Access to Learning Award [ATLA] of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation ($1 million US) which recognises programmes such as providing free internet access to the public. The deadline for the 2008 award is 31 December 2007. [WTYL 16/07/07]
• Common Knowledge(CK) is a Glasgow based company that supports people with a learning disability. Their website is designed for people with learning difficulties and 'is highly accessible in terms of language level, audio and visual support etc but it also has excellent potential for adult basic skills teaching at a range of levels.' A good starting point is http://www.cklearn.org.uk/ but if you wanted to skip the learning difficulties designation and go straight to the activities you could start with: http://www.cklearn.org.uk/index.html?s=learning&m=cms&c_name=learning1c=learning1&c (from Mary Harrington, Doncaster Libraries)
• Literacy at the crossroads. CILIP in London event (free)http://www.cilip.org.uk/branches/byregion/london/events/sep07.htm Tue 11 September, Sekforde Arms, Sekforde St, London An inability to read and to use literacy skills for information handling are key factors in social exclusion. Robert Davidson, a poet and Managing Director of Sandstone Press, will talk about the failure of British literacy policy and discuss its consequences from the perspective of a small specialist publisher. (WTYLJ 3/09/07)
• See: http://www.leedsmet.ac.uk:8082/lco/php/support.php/
  disabled/awareness_training (This link appears to be working again, but if you can't open it either Email Gilly, and I'll send you an order form or Email the Open Rose Group.)

• The report by the National Literacy Trust, 'Literacy and Social Inclusion' can be seen at: www.literacytrust.org.uk/socialinclusion/ (UM April 2006)
• Public Libraries - Destination Unknown? A major report commissioned by the DCMS (Department for Culture Media and Sports) and funded by MLA (Museums, Libraries and Archives Council) and the Laser Foundation is being launched on 19th June in central London (14-35 age group) For any further information contact Frances Hendrix at the Laser Foundation on 01257 274833 or by email at frances@laserfoundation.org.uk (LACJ 05/05)
• Self assessment list by London Libraries for emergent readers and basic skills literacy provision: www.literacytrust.org.uk/vitallink/managementcommitment.html (UM September 2006)
• Quick Reads intiative for emerging readers (to be launched 2nd March): free stuff on offer: www.quickreads.org.uk or www.essexcc.gov.uk/quickreads
• Inspiring Learning for All Development Programme. To find out more and to download guidelines and criteria information please click on the link below, or contact Jael Edwards, Learning Development Manager, Tel: 0113 394 4840, Mobile: 0771 7577452, Email: jael.edwards@mlayorkshire.org.uk
  (MLAY 11/05/06)
• For information about the Quick Reads initiative launched as part of World Book Day on 2nd March 2006 see www.quickreads.org.uk and posters for the initiative are available from Essex Library service: www.essexcc.gov.uk/quickreads (UM 4 (12) Dec 2005

Young People & Teenagers

• Simeon Moore discusses the role of libraries in helping 'Neets' (young people not in education, employment or training) in his article in Update, 'Into employment or training: helping young people in transition'. (UM 7 [7-8] July/ August 2008 p32-34)
• "Games are drawing attention in libraries as successful outreach tools for tweens, teens and seniors...." Read more: http://librarygamer.wordpress.com/2008/08/08/why-games-belong-in-libraries/ (Library Gamer blog 8th August 2008) Also listen to an interview with a Florida young people's librarian who has introduced gaming into the library: http://gamernetblog.com/2008/08/13/perspective-and-acceptance/ (Gamer Net Blog 13/08/08)
• If you're interested in whether gaming and literacy go together, see these two postings in The Shifted Librarian blog: Does Gaming Promote Reading?: http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/archives/2008/04/15/does-gaming-promote-reading.html 15th April 2008, and What do Games have to do with Literacy? http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/archives/2008/02/19/what-do-games-have-to-do-with-literacy.html 20th Feb 2008) (Shifted Librarian blog: http://theshiftedlibrarian.com/ they seem to do a lot about Gaming generally)
• Enjoying Reading Website: The Reading Agency has created a website demonstrating to schools ways that Libraries can encourage children to enjoy reading (case studies, ideas bank, discussion page). See www.ennjoyingreading.org.uk (UM 7 [4] April 2008 p5)
• Their Reading Futures Website: The Reading Agency's TRF Website is a good training resource for staff working with children and young people: www.theirreadingfutures.org.uk (UM 7 [4] April 2008 p10)
• Find Your Talent Project (five hours of culture a week for children project), is being announced in a new DCMS report: Creative Britain: new talents for a new economy. See: http://www.culture.gov.uk/NR/rdonlyres/096CB847-5E32-4435-9C52-C4D293CDECFD/0/CEPFeb2008.pdf (UM 7 [4] April 2008 p19)
• The Reading Agency has just re-launched the Their Reading Futures website: http://www.theirreadingfutures.org.uk/ (TRF provides training to help libraries deliver the best reader development services for young people and supports libraries to deliver on all Change for Children activity, through their work on reading). In addition, they have also just launched Enjoying Reading, “a coordinated approach to supporting young readers through a partnership between schools, school libraries, school library services and public libraries.” See: http://www.theirreadingfutures.org.uk/bestPractice/enjoyingReading/. (WTYL 07/04/08)
• Their Past, Your Future 2 is the second phase of this hugely successful, Big Lottery Funded programme to promote a better understanding of 20th century conflict. The second year of the MLA's grant programme has now begun and a fund of £420,000 is open for applications from museums, libraries and archives in England which are running projects involving children and young people and/or inter-generational learning. If you would like to learn more about the application process and how the fund works, there is still time to book a place at our Information Seminar on 3 April at Leeds City Art Gallery (TPYF2 Information Seminar). For more information on the national programme visit: www.mla.gov.uk/programmes/their_past_your_future. TPYF2 is led by a partnership of MLA, The Imperial War Museum, Scottish Museums Council, Northern Ireland Museums Council and The National Library of Wales. The deadline for grant applications is 23 May 2008. (MLA E bulletin March 2008)
• Ed Balls announced a new fund for public libraries (Book Ahead) to give them up to half a million free books to make up book boxes for local nurseries. (UM 7 (3) March 2008 p8)
• As part of the National Offer for Youth, the government is to send an advocacy pack to all Chief Librarians. Part of this pack will include an A4 card listing seven elements that "young people should expect from their library". (UM 7 (3) March 2008 p 2)
• Antonia Gray talks about her experiences and ideas for running a reading group for children who can't read in Update Magazine - Make a Book: hands-on reading (UM 7 (3) March 2008 pp 40-41).
• Community Care website. Briefings on “the bigger picture”
  http://www.communitycare.co.uk/Articles/List.aspx?NavigationID=153&SlotPageID=32 This expert guide section of the Community Care website has very readable briefings on a wide range of topics. Although intended for those involved in the social care sector these could be very useful background for library staff. Topics covered include Youth Services (WTYL 10/03/08)
• Culture scheme unveiled - Councils are to be given the chance to bid for one of ten £2.5m cash pots aimed at giving school children better access to culture. A joint initiative between the Department for Children, Schools & Families and the Department for Culture, Media & Sport aims to give children at least five hours' of high-quality culture a week. More information and prospectus at: http://www.creative-partnerships.com/offer (WTYL 25/02/08 & MLA E-bulletin 14/02/08 - MLA Yorkshire contact is Justine Reilly, Regional Learning Adviser: Justine.Reilly@mlayorkshire.org)
• Their Past Your Future 2 http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets//T/TPYF2_yr_1_projects_12500.pdf The successful bids have just been announced. (WTYL 17/10/07). Projects that will be funded in the SINTO region (& and cover the subjects in this section) include: Yorkshire Waterways Museum (Based in Goole, veterans, community groups and schools will work together to develop an exhibition around the social and economic impact of WWII on the local area and its people); Cannon Hall Museum (veterans and young people will work together to produce an e-learning package looking at personal experiences of conflict and the legacies of these for succeeding generations); Leeds Libraries (the Relay project involving community groups, including refugee groups, sharing perspectives on conflict through creative writing and technology); Wakefield Cultural Services and Libraries (work with young people to create a databank of war stories to increase understanding of 'commemoration, remembrance, and citizenship');
• The KPMG Foundation provides grants for projects with disadvantaged people, with particular emphasis on unlocking the potential of children and young people up to 30 years of age. Particular groups of interest include; Refugees; Young offenders; Children and young people who have been in care; Children and young people with dyslexia/literacy difficulties. The Foundation considers applications once a year, and throughout the year they capture all organizations keen to apply for funding on a database. If you would like your details added to the database email kpmgfoundation@kpmg.co.uk. Once the Trustees agree a funding date they will write to all organisations on the database providing them with details of how to apply. For further information visit: http://www.kpmg.co.uk/about/foundation/ap.cfm (WTYL 15/10/07)The National Literacy Trust and LoveReading4Schools are running a joint website to swap tips on good books for reluctant readers: http://lovereading4schools.co.uk/brec (UM 6 (11) Nov 2007 p13)
• Lancaster Library won the Love Libraries award 2007 for 'Get it Loud in Libraries'. whereby the Library was transformed into an evening rock venue for young people. (UM 6 (121) Nov 2007)
• New research resources for those interested in libraries and information for young people: Bookstarts's new research area on its website www.bookstart.co.uk/research ; and the University of Central England's new research community of practice (discounts on events & consultancy) email@ ebase@uce.ac.uk (UM 6 (9) Sept 2007 pg 23)
• All Different All Equal is the theme for this year’s Youth Work Week is about respecting diversity, knowing about human rights and taking action in defending your own rights as well as standing up against the discrimination of others. See the National Youth Agency website: http://www.nya.org.uk/Templates/internal.asp?NodeID=90930&ParentNodeID=90360 (WTYL 01/10/07)
• MLA have taken over the Love Libraries Award from the Reading Agency and this year is looking for innovation in services for teenagers and young people under 25 (UM 6 & [6] June 2007 - pg2)
• Helping Young People Fulfil their Potential is an article on the way the Reading Agency's Fulfillling their Potential Programme is transforming the way libraries engage with young people by Ciara Eastell, Tom Holman and Nicky Parker (pp24-27) (UM 6 & [7-8] July/ August 2007)
• LISU survey A Survey of Library Services to Schools and Children in the UK 2005-06 www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/ls/lisu/pages/publications/ sch-chil06.html (UM p13 Mar 07)
• Update Magazine has articles on a Leeds based audiovisual studio's work with socially excluded young people(pp26-28), and Wendy Bond (Lincolnshire) has written a report on work with prison inmate fathers (pp29-31) (UM May)
• The DfES has money to support the Learning Outside the Class-room Manifesto. The 'framework' refers to Libraries under support by 'other providers': www.teachernet.gov.uk/learningoutsidetheclassroom and www.standards.dfes.gov.uk/studysupport
• http://www.clpe.co.uk/aboutus/aboutus_main_10.html Centre for Literacy in Primary Education - they run a multicultural bookfair (WTYL 10/09/07)
• Ransom Publishing have a 'Dark Man' series for young adults with a reading age of 5-7. Contact steve@ransom.co.uk 01491 613711 (UM 5 (5) May 2006)
• A research report about censorship practices and access to information in school/ children’s libraries has been produced and is available to download from http://www.ebase.uce.ac.uk/publications.htm (LACJ 18/03/06)

Men & Boys

• Boys into Books (11-14s) is being expanded this year into Primary Boys into Books (5-11s). DCSF are funding the initiative which sees public libraries delivering book boxes to local schools selected from a list of suitable books. See www.sla.org.uk/boys-into-books-overview.php. Other schemes of interest are www.booktime.org.uk; www.bookedup.org.uk; www.bookstart.org.uk (UM 7 [7-8] July/ August 2008 p16)
• Consultation on the new Equality Framework for Local Government (http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do?pageId=8488097 IDeA have produced an updated version of the Framework for consultation (http://www.idea.gov.uk/idk/aio/8493290 ) – they want views from local authorities that have implemented the Equality Standard, and the deadline is 16 Aug 2008. This new version picks up particularly on changes in local demography (including migration), and simplifies the process, whilst also broadening the definitions “which includes the groups that enjoy legal protection against discrimination – race, gender, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation and age – but also encourages authorities to work with other groups who may face disadvantage and discrimination, such as white working class boys, looked after children and groups like Gypsies and Travellers whose needs have often been ignored.” (WTYL 07/07/08)
• REACH is Communities and Local Government’s figurehead project to raise the aspirations, attainment and achievement of Black boys and young Black men, enabling them to reach their potential. The REACH group has produced a report with five recommendations on how the Government can help achieve the project's aims (see website above) . [WTYL 20/08/07]
• Dawn Finch's article in Update Get them Young - the joys of primary school work (pp 38-400 has a section about 'attracting boys' (UM 6 & [6] June 2007)
• Article entitled 'The Graphic Novel: growing and growing up' by Chris Stokes in Update (teenage boys & reading) (UM p28-31 May 2007)
• Literacy and boys - Ransom Publishing's 'Dark Man' series 'non-patronising and stylishly illustrated to suit teen tastes' Tel: 01491 613711 steve@ransom.co.uk (UM May). See also www.badger-publishing.co.uk who have three Book Boxes for Boys (Key Stages 2 and 3). (UM September)
• A reading list 'Boys into Books' (ages 11-14) can be downloaded for free from the School Library Association website:http://www.sla.org.uk/riveting-reads.php (UM 6 (6) June 2007).
• Ransom Publishing have a 'Dark Man' series for young adults with a reading age of 5-7, and also books for boys with an interest age of 8-14 and a reading age of 5-7. Contact steve@ransom.co.uk 01491 613711 (UM 5 (5) May 2006)
• National Literacy Trust's reading Champions have put together three book boxes for boys (key stages 2 & 3): www.badger-publishing.co.uk

Prisoners

• Reading Agency training courses Various dates in October 2008. Details of one-day courses around the value of reading, aiming to support libraries and partners to reach particular audiences of new readers during the National Year of Reading. These include courses for 1) prison librarians, prison staff and public library staff (Big Book Share); 2) library and learning organisation staff and literacy tutors (Running the Six Book Challenge); 3) reader development librarians and those with responsibility for running reading groups ( Using Volunteers with Reading Groups). See: http://www.readingagency.org.uk/new-thinking/training/ for more information and how to book. (WTYL 14/07/08)
• English PEN have a section on their website devoted to Writers In Prison: http://www.englishpen.org/writersinprison/
• In October 2007, the Prison Libraries Group, MLA, John Vincent (The Network), and the Big Book Share began a work on the introduction of a 'national offer' to welcome ex-offenders and their families into public libraries. This is scheduled to be launched sometime during the 2008 National Year of Reading (see Review of the Year, 'Prison' by Sue Wilkinson in UM 7 (1-2) Jan/Feb 2008 p23)
• Their Past Your Future 2 http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets//T/TPYF2_yr_1_projects_12500.pdf The successful bids have just been announced. (WTYL 17/10/07). Projects that will be funded in the SINTO region (& and cover the subjects in this section) include: North Yorkshire County Record Office (prisoners in Northallerton to work with archives to create learning journeys).
• The KPMG Foundation provides grants for projects with disadvantaged people, with particular emphasis on unlocking the potential of children and young people up to 30 years of age. Particular groups of interest include; Refugees; Young offenders; Children and young people who have been in care; Children and young people with dyslexia/literacy difficulties. The Foundation considers applications once a year, and throughout the year they capture all organizations keen to apply for funding on a database. If you would like your details added to the database email kpmgfoundation@kpmg.co.uk. Once the Trustees agree a funding date they will write to all organisations on the database providing them with details of how to apply. For further information visit: http://www.kpmg.co.uk/about/foundation/ap.cfm (WTYL 15/10/07)
• A new Public Service Agreement (PSA) is aimed at reducing social exclusion amongst the most vulnerable adults. The socially excluded adults PSA focuses on increasing the proportion of at-risk individuals in settled accommodation and employment, education or training, which represent the core foundations of normal, everyday life which the majority of people take for granted. Four client groups are covered by the PSA. They are particularly vulnerable to multiple forms of disadvantage and include: care leavers; offenders under probation supervision; adults in contact with secondary mental health services; and adults with moderate to severe learning disabilities. For more see: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_exclusion_task_force/
• MLA Yorkshire's latest Audience Development Toolkit Resource Banks are now available on their website. They offer guidance with various groups. To download a copy of the 'Prisoners & Young Offenders' section go to: http://www.mla.gov.uk/resources/assets/W/Working__10342.pdf
• MLAY 18th Oct 06)
• Prison Library specifications: www.dfes.gov.uk/research/data/uploadfiles/RR748.pdf (UM June 2006)
• 'The Bookies' at HM Prison Birmingham have won the national Short Story Reading Challenge run by the Reading Agency. (UM 6 & [7-8] July/ August 2007 pg9)
• Prisons Inspectorate has just issued their latest report on the experiences of 15-18s in prison: The full report is available at: http://inspectorates.homeoffice.gov.uk/hmiprisons/thematic-reports1/
  YoungPeople04-06.pdf?view=Binary (LACJ 3rd Jan 2007)
• A new bibliotherapy service has been set up by Sue Berrieman at HMO Hull (UM p9 May 2007)

Background Information (including Staff Training)

• Skilled To Go developed by the Office of Fair Trading and LLU+ at London South Bank University, is a toolkit for tutors working in further education (Access 2 and 3/ Intermediate 1 and 2/ Entry 3, Level 1, Level 2, and includes suggestions for use with ESOL/ language learners). It aims to help develop transferable consumer skills, knowledge and confidence, using everyday consumer situations, such as choosing a mobile phone, as contexts for learning numeracy and literacy. For more information with link to launch events for teachers around the country, see: http://www.oft.gov.uk/oft_at_work/partnership_working/consumer-alliance/resources/toolkitfront/ (WTYL 23/06/08)
• Telling Tales http://enlaces.co.uk/storytelling.aspx 8 May, Manchester One-day course for staff from schools, public libraries and similar settings will provide an entertaining introduction for those new to storytelling, and those who want to improve their storytelling techniques. With a National Year of Reading focus on storytelling in October, it’s a great time to develop this skill. See weblink for details. (WTYL 25/03/08)
  A piece in Update looks at World Book Day (6th Mar) and lists 'Books to Talk About', the new 'Quick Reads' and '£1.00 Children Books' (all the £1.00 books are also available in Braille - contact Stephanie Goodman of Vision Charity on 020 8523 4833). Also see www.worldbookday.com and www.worldbookday.com/spreadtheword (UM 7 (3) March 2008 p13)
• The House of Commons All-Party Group for Libraries and Information Managment, has now become for HoC A-P G for Libraries, Literacy and Information Management (chaired by Lyn Brown MP) (UM 6 (9) Sept 2007 pg 23)
• A new Public Service Agreement (PSA) is aimed at reducing social exclusion amongst the most vulnerable adults. The socially excluded adults PSA focuses on increasing the proportion of at-risk individuals in settled accommodation and employment, education or training, which represent the core foundations of normal, everyday life which the majority of people take for granted. Four client groups are covered by the PSA. They are particularly vulnerable to multiple forms of disadvantage and include: care leavers; offenders under probation supervision; adults in contact with secondary mental health services; and adults with moderate to severe learning disabilities. For more see: http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/social_exclusion_task_force/
• Leeds Trinity & All Saints College have a range of qualifications available in a flexible programme of modules entitled 'Working with Story: narrative & communication'. For more information call 0113 283 7123 or email admissions@leedstrinity.ac.uk for an information pack

DYSLEXIA

• British Dyslexia Association (BDA) Launch Affordable Software to “Bridge the Gap” in Education - The BDA has launched a text to speech program, which will change the lives of children who cannot read. ClaroRead SE (Special Edition) provides text to speech support tools that allow computer users to read and write independently and will be available at a third of the price of similar learning aids, making such important technology more affordable to those who need it. ClaroRead is available from the BDA Store: http://www.bdastore.org.uk/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=451 ClaroRead SE will also include a BDA Workbook, which provides information on dyslexia and tips to help children develop to their full potential. Claro SE will cost from just £49 for the CD Rom and £59 for the portable USB stick version (excluding VAT). School licenses are also available for ClaroRead starting at £795. (BDA Newlsetter June 2008 - from Mary Harrington, Doncaster Libraries)
• Dyslexia Awareness Week (DAW) 2008 is being held this year on 3-9 November, and the theme will be Accessible Formats. More information on DAW and how you can get involved will be announced at a later date in Contact and on the BDA website www.bdadyslexia.org.uk. (BDA Newlsetter June 2008 - from Mary Harrington, Doncaster Libraries)
• Useful extracts form British Dyslexia Association Newsletter Jan 08:
  • BDA’s seventh International Conference, is being held this coming March in Harrogate. Dyslexia: Making Links is being held on 27- 29 March, and will unite world-renowned experts for the UK's biggest ever dyslexia conference. Registration is open now and delegates have until January 25th to take advantage of early booking discounts! Visit http://www.bdainternationalconference.org for the full conference programme and details on how to book.
  • Dyslexia TrainingBDA is running numerous training courses throughout the Spring for parents, teachers and employers? Subjects to be covered include:Current thinking on dyslexia, for teachers/ Screening for dyslexia, for teachers/ Building self esteem in children with SENs, for teachers and parents/ Dyslexia at home and school, for parents and governors / How to become a dyslexia friendly employer, for employers. The courses are being held across the UK throughout Spring, for more information or to book a place contact Paul Brackley on 0118 929 6931 or paulb@bdadyslexia.org.uk.
  • New Look Website!The BDA will be revamping its website this Spring! The new look site, launching in April, will be modern and bright and instantly easier to use, with easily manageable navigation and clearer sections. The site will, of course, be dyslexia friendly, with a text to voice facility and a range of visual options for users to choose from. The site will include the online shop, which features a wide range of dyslexia tools and products available to buy, including assistive technology products, publications, study aids and even gadgets such as satellite navigation devices: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk Other topics include
  • Early Identification – BDA has a new policy: http://www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/downloads/EarlyIDPolicyNov07.pdf
  • How to identify pre-school children who are at risk of being dyslexic
  • Some do’s and don’ts for teachers
  • Dyslexia in the workplace survey
  • January Issue of 'Contact' out soon:The dyslexia Contact Magazine is only available to BDA Members. To become a member of the BDA go to: www.bdadyslexia.org.uk/joinus or telephone: 0118 966 2677.

[Thank you Mary Harrington at Doncaster for forwarding this. Email Gilly for a full copy of the newsletter]

• Disability Awareness Training for Libraries The Open Rose Group comprises Library staff involved in supporting users with disabilities at eight Yorkshire universities. The participating institutions are: Bradford, Huddersfield, Hull, Leeds, Leeds Metropolitan, Sheffield, Sheffield Hallam and York. The group won the SCONUL Award for Staff Development in 2003 and has produced a film plus supporting materials for use in Libraries to assist staff training on disability issues.This film is arranged into four main sections, each dedicated to a specific disability and focussing on a particular theme. The contents are as follows:
  • Introduction by Patrick Stewart
  • Dyslexia - using the Library
  • Hearing - communication
  • Mobility - acces
  • Vision - assistive technology

NATIONAL YEAR OF READING 2008

• NYOR Coordinators from MLA Yorkshire are: The lead contact for the co-ordination is Abigail Hackett (lead contact), and two other consultants, Kathy Cremin and Jael Edwards. You can contact Abi at Abigail.Hackett@virgin.net or telephone 0114 2669610 (MLAY NYOR Bulletin 14/05/08)
• As part of the National Year Of Reading (NYOR) MLA Yorkshire are running a series of FREE development days, which will be designed to achieve the following overall objectives: To build coherence to the Yorkshire programme of activity; To stimulate creative ideas and projects across the region; To encourage skills sharing and co-mentoring; To support networking and partnership building; To support coherent evaluation across the region; To address identified training needs across the region; To support the development of a distinctive Yorkshire campaign with a sustained legacy. Day One is on Thursday 19th June 2008 at Arts Council England, Yorkshire Offices, Dewsbury. Get a booking form from: http://www.mlayorkshire.org.uk/webdav/harmonise?Page/@id=175&Section/@id=4549&Document/@id=31205&Session/@id=D
  _Aj0e0WcH9vLcVVs6eWia&parent=group_2 Future Dates will be Wednesday 24th September 2008 in Leeds;Wednesday 19th November 2008 in York; Wednesday 28th January 2009 in Sheffield (MLAY NYOR Bulletin 14/05/08)
• You can feedback on your NYOR events, and check out other people's at he National Year of Reading Wiki, Wikireadia: http://www.yearofreading.org.uk/wikireadia/index.php?title=Main_Page (MLAY NYOR Bulletin 14/05/08)
• Launch of National Year of Reading April 25th 2008: Joining Forms for English public libraries will appear in The Mirror (in a special 4 page supplement), and childrens' newspaper, First News (NYR update in UM 7 [4] April 2008 p17)
• There are three National Year of Reading logos (generic/ youth/ adult) and guidelines for their use at www.yearofreading.org.uk (this is the interim NYR website, and the full interactive website should be up and running by the end of Feb). [Note from Gilly - I couldn't find them, but they might become more apparent when the website is finished - ?](UM 7 (1-2) Jan/Feb 2008 p17)
• MLA Yorkshire are going to fund a the appointment of a Regional Co-ordinator for the National Year of Reading jointly with Arts Council England Yorkshire and the Renaissance Yorkshire Hub (MLAY News E-bulletin 31/01/08)
A Passion for Reading: Where does it fit into Skills for Life? 12 March 2008, Botanical Gardens, Birmingham. Organised by The Reading Agency and the National Literacy Trust, in association with LLU+ at London South Bank University, this is a major event to mark the National Year of Reading (NYR) for senior managers and policy makers from Skills for Life and public libraries. Adult literacy learners are one of the priority audiences for the National Year of Reading. Key speakers include Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Skills, Honor Wilson-Fletcher, Project Director for the National Year of Reading and Helen Sunderland, Assistant Director, LLU+. Subjects covered include: New opportunities for weaving reading for pleasure into literacy provision; The library offer for adult literacy learners – including the new national Six Book Challenge; The changing policy context for Skills for Life; Partnership working to reach priority groups such as young parents, offenders and employees with low literacy. For further details and to book please contact Ronan Cahill on: 020 7820 6285 or at: ronan.cahill@literacytrust.org.uk (MLAY News E-bulletin 31/01/08 and on MLAY website: http://www.mlayorkshire.org.uk/webdav/harmonisePage/@id=175&Section/@id=4545&Document/
@id=30451&Session/@id=D_jnl3FjkFz4vIB7SyWLX6&parent=group_1 )
• National Year of Reading website http://www.yearofreading.org.uk The National Year of Reading runs to December 2008. Find out more, how to get involved and sign up for e-updates on the newly-launched National Year of Reading website. (WTYL 14/01/08)
• Mary Harrington of Doncaster Libraries has sent in a Word document listing the monthly themes for the National Year of Reading, starting with April 2008 and going on to December 2008. Email Gilly for a copy.
• National Year of Reading 2008 http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/nyr/index.html The NYR will run from January to December 2008. From January to March organisations and authorities will be asked to take the Reading Challenge, to pledge and plan their support. Delivery of the NYR will be launched in April 2008, and there will be big opportunities for libraries to focus on reading and issues such as diverse audiences. The above weblink also links to a downloadable presentation about the vision and values of NYR. There is also the list of themes per month at: http://www.literacytrust.org.uk/NYR/nyrthemes.html?dm_i=159978243 (WTYL 15/10/07) [Read more in Update Magazine 6 (10) Oct 2007 pg 14 and see http://www.readingagency.org.uk/projects/awards/YearofReading.html ]