South Ayrshire Council News

Having a good look at the new books.

£1,000 worth of exciting new children’s books, that were won in a prize draw run by the Scottish Book Trust, are now available at South Ayrshire Council’s Girvan library.

Scottish Book Trust is the national agency for readers and writers, providing free, independent, quality advice and information, supporting literacy and giving access to book related opportunities for all. The Trust works with schools, libraries and communities across Scotland on a range of projects.

The prize draw that Girvan library won books in was organised by the Scottish Book Trust and was open to all organisations listed with them as part of the Live Literature Scotland Scheme and the Books, Reading and Writing (BRAW) project. Over 700 entries were received by the Trust and the 20 winners names were drawn at random. As a result of more than 3,000 children’s books, worth a total of £20,000, have been donated to a mixture of primary schools, secondary schools and library groups across Scotland.

Councillor Margaret Toner, Depute Leader of the Council and Portfolio Carrier for Community Services went to Girvan library to see the books along with local Councillors, she said: “Girvan library has a diverse range of new children’s books that they were given by the Scottish Book Trust. Having books that appeal to children of all ages and interests encourages them to make use of their local library. It is very important that children develop the habit of reading at a young age, it will help them to learn, and to use their imagination. Once children get a love of reading hopefully it is something will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

“Libraries lie at the heart of our communities, making reading accessible for all and providing many other services such as computer access and a place for people to socialise, learn or relax. I would like to thank the staff at Girvan, and other Council libraries, for all their hard work, especially the innovative ways they get children to take part in library activities.”

Girvan library has received a collection of approximately 150 books that have been selected according to age group or ability criteria that best fits the requirements of the young readers who use Girvan library. Amongst the new additions to the library stock are picture books, audio books, fiction for all age groups, poetry and popular non fiction.

Jasmine Fassl, children’s programmer at Scottish Book Trust, said: “We were delighted by the response which suggests that books are in high demand and hope that with this donation we are helping to provide a wider choice of reading materials that will encourage children to experience a range of authors, illustrators and topics. These books will not just benefit readers now but will add to the shelf selection for years to come.”

Information on the services provided by Council libraries can be found by visiting your local library or by logging on to www.south-ayrshire.gov.uk/libraries