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What is Liverpool Reads?

Whilst waiting for a bus, you discover that everyone waiting with you has recently read the same book, leaving young and old with something to discuss until the bus comes. You chat and laugh about it while you wait. Wouldn't it be great if life were like that?

Liverpool Reads is Liverpool's first citywide read. It began in Campion C. High School, taking its lead from interest generated in other citywide reads such as the one running annually in Bristol. Quickly readers from the city’s Education Department and Excellence in Liverpool were joined by others at Bluecoat Arts Centre, the Library Service and The Reader Office at Liverpool University. They began to promote Liverpool Reads together.

At first expectations were modest but it spread like wildfire as though Liverpudlians were waiting for just such an opportunity. Right now people are reading 'Holes' in colleges, prisons, hospitals across the city and, no doubt, at home in the bath as well.

Now this consortium is committed to promoting a ‘big read’ each year up to and including 2008, Liverpool’s year as European Capital for Culture.

'I fully support the campaign for Liverpool Reads, the Bristol Reads was a great success for the people of Bristol and I hope the people of Liverpool will rally behind this great community project.'
Jimmy McGovern

Follow this link for more messages of support.

Free (and nearly free) events coming up:

The Hole Story
Saturday 11 December 11am – 4pm
Bluecoat front courtyard, School Lane, Liverpool
Free
Volunteers of all ages and walks of life, including a few well-known local figures, read aloud passages from 'Holes' for about 10 minutes until the whole of the book is completed. Mulled wine and other Christmas fare is available, so join us for a chapter or two. (If you would like to volunteer your reading skills email Bec on beccy@bluecoatartscentre.com.)

Penny Readings
Monday 13 December 6pm 
Walker Art Gallery Café, William Brown Street, Liverpool
Admission 1p - no need to book. 
Lloyd Grossman, Angela Heslop (Radio Merseyside), Mark Dickinson (Liverpool Echo) and others read aloud from 'Holes' and some of their favourite texts. Inspired by Charles Dicken's 'Penny Readings' of 1858, attended by up to 2,300, each of whom paid 1 penny admission only.

Holes Storytelling Sessions
Saturday afternoon 18 December at 2:00, 2:30, 3:00 and 3:30pm
Bluecoat Arts Centre, School Lane, Liverpool
Free
Actors Tim Hemmings and Alex Norton present four interactive storytelling sessions from 'Holes', the perfect opportunity for a short break from Christmas shopping for weary children and adults alike.