The library’s Read Aloud drop-in sessions, which support adults with learning disabilities to discover a love of reading, were the brainchild of staff member Rebecca Leadley. The free 30-minute readings of classic and modern tales create a welcoming and safe space for participants to enjoy interactive storytelling, socialise, and unwind. This initiative has led to a 40 per cent increase in library membership among participants.
Run by The Bookseller magazine, the awards celebrate libraries that inspire local communities to engage in reading and with the services on offer in libraries. Winchester Library was selected alongside West Sussex libraries as joint regional winners by the judges from 36 finalists across the South East. The national Library of the Year award will be revealed during The British Book Awards ceremony in London in May.
Rebecca Leadley said:
"Being a regional finalist was exciting enough, but I'm so thrilled that our entry has made it to the national finals! Read Aloud is a simple but effective way to encourage a love of books and storytelling for everyone. Many of the attendees to our sessions have made friendships which is so lovely to see, and others just come in to switch off, listen and share a cuppa. I hope these sessions can be extended to other libraries in Hampshire as there must be many other groups, including people with learning disabilities, who would really benefit and enjoy a reading group near them, and their local library is the perfect venue."
Councillor Steve Forster, Executive Member for Education at Hampshire County Council, congratulated Rebecca and her colleagues at Winchester Library for their achievement. He said:
“I am very proud of this project, one of the many cost-neutral innovations we’ve seen from Hampshire Libraries that reaches out and brings our communities together. While libraries have always played a crucial role in encouraging reading, inclusive programmes such as Read Aloud effectively reduce social isolation and make it easier to signpost participants to our essential services, while providing a warm and welcoming space for all. Congratulations to Rebecca and the team for embodying our pledge to help support those most in need while making every penny count.”