South Yorkshire's Mayor, Oliver Coppard, has launched The Mayor's Little Big Book Club, a new initiative designed to help children across the region discover a love of reading. The scheme will distribute 4,000 free books to children across Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield.
The Little Big Book Club forms part of the Mayor's wider South Yorkshire Reading Network ambition. This programme focuses on creating memorable experiences around books, language, creativity and storytelling, particularly for children and families who are currently less likely to engage with reading.
Festival of Reading launch event
The initiative will have its first major public moment at the South Yorkshire Festival of Reading on Saturday, 22 August. The festival brings together storytelling sessions, creative activities and community events across the region.
At the festival, families will be able to enjoy story times and reading trails, live music, crafts and creative workshops, and performances from street entertainers. The event will also include the giveaway of 4,000 free story sacks, each containing a book.
In Rotherham, families are invited to Clifton Park to participate in storytelling, creative activities and meet author and illustrator Lydia Monks.
Council support
Rotherham Council's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Cllr Victoria Cusworth, said: "Reading with children from an early age is one of the most powerful ways we can support their learning, wellbeing and future success. We're delighted to be part of this initiative, which will help more families across Rotherham discover the joy of stories and develop a lifelong love of reading."
Mayor Coppard said the initiative aims to ensure every child growing up in South Yorkshire has the chance to discover the joy of reading. He highlighted how reading builds confidence, creativity and communication skills, and can shape a child's future.
