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This year, the libraries team have worked with the North Somerset UK Resettlement team and Community Learning to give books to people who have recently arrived in North Somerset and are learning English.
They have gifted learners copies of ‘The Last Summer’, by Karen Swan. This accessibly written romantic novel is set on the island of St Kilda, and is part of World Book Night’s ‘Quick Reads’ series.
Copies have also been given to North Somerset Libraries’ English Conversation Cafés in Clevedon and Portishead. These are free, informal meetings for adults learning English, where participants can practise speaking English with other learners and a tutor.
Councillor Mike Solomon, North Somerset Council’s executive member for culture and leisure, said: “World Book Night is all about encouraging people to read for pleasure – a cause that North Somerset Libraries is also deeply passionate about.
“Giving books to residents who aren’t native speakers is another great example of how our libraries team are engaging with the local community, to help bring the joy of reading to as many people as possible.
“If you’ve not yet joined our libraries, you can sign up for free in-person at your local library, or online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/libraries.”
Councillor Catherine Gibbons, North Somerset Council’s deputy leader and executive member for children’s services, families and lifelong learning, said: “I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to give 150 books to people who don’t have English as their first language.
“As well as giving an enjoyable opportunity to improve language skills, it will foster a love of reading for pleasure.”
Visit: https://worldbooknight.org/home to find out more about World Book Night.