Try Reading

35 library services across the M62 corridor from Hull to Liverpool worked together to celebrate the Rugby League World Cup 2013 (RLWC2013). Inspiring fans of the sport to enjoy and appreciate a wide range of reading, writing and drama, at the same time encouraging their many loyal library users to support RLWC2013. Funding from Arts Council England was awarded to the partnership to achieve the following:

• Work across boundaries as a consortium of library services in the North of England. To achieve a scale of cultural work that has high impact and multiple benefits.
• Engage and grow a wider audience for literature through active participation in high quality reading, writing, drama programmes and events.
• Develop opportunities for audiences and library staff to engage with literature through digital media.

The programme delivered a wide range of over 180 events and engaged over 6,000 people, many who were not previously library users.

In addition, many library staff learned new skills, particularly in social media and digital media skills.

Funding from the James Reckitt Library Trust enabled Hull’s Library Service to extend both the range, and number, of activities and events offered in Hull. This included a specially commissioned book, ‘Interchange’, which tells a fascinating story about the rivalry of the two Hull rugby league teams and their supporters.