Running the Six Book Challenge 2015

The Reading Agency Independent national charity Mission to give everyone an equal chance in life by helping people become confident and enthusiastic readers. Because everything changes when we read. Formal partnership with public libraries Work with broadcasters, publishers, government at national level Work with libraries, schools, colleges, prisons, workplaces at local level

Our vision for the Six Book Challenge That people’s attitudes to reading, both in print and online, are changed by taking part in the Six Book Challenge, whether or not they are already readers. Priority audience – those who struggle with the written word Also powerful for lapsed readers

Why is it needed? 5.1 million adults of working age are STILL at the level expected of an 11 year old (moved from 16% to 15% since 2003) 14.8 million adults would not achieve a GCSE at A* - C grade (improved from 39.5% to 28.5% since 2003) 2011 Skills for Life Survey: Headline findings Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, Dec 2011

16-24 year olds in England are rated 22 nd our of 24 countries for literacy. They have slightly worse skills than people aged between 55 and 65. Survey of Adult Skills (PIACC), OECD, Oct 2013

National agendas in 2014 Business, Skills & Innovation Committee Report on Adult Literacy & Numeracy asking for better funded, more flexible and higher profile approach Read On Get On – 10-year coalition initiated by Save the Children to ensure every child reading ‘well’ by age of 11 – importance of family dimension National Literacy Trust manifesto Reading for pleasure campaign supported by trade publishers working with voluntary sector

Creating a virtuous circle Learners engaged in (more) text Learners enjoy reading Learners practise skills Learners improve skills Learners want to read more

Support from The Reading Agency Advocacy for libraries’ role Links with national initiatives eg Quick Reads, BBC campaigns R & D – reading for pleasure at Entry Level, potential for using digital games Reading Groups for Everyone, Mood-Boosting Books World Book Night Six Book Challenge

What is the Six Book Challenge? An invitation to read six books or other ‘materials’ and record reading in a diary Library support for choosing what to read Creative activity such as reading groups Incentives to increase retention Certificate for those who read six books (participation certificate for less) A proven way of engaging and motivating adults to improve their literacy skills

Benefits for participants Increase in confidence about reading Increase in skills, eg vocabulary, knowledge, writing, speaking and listening Increase in enjoyment in reading Increase in sense of well-being, belonging, identity as a reader Tangible record of achievement – certificate, CV, testimony

Benefits for organisers ‘Off the peg’ nationally recognised programme Practical framework for encouraging reading Simple tool for partnership working Raises awareness of library offer Creates a buzz around reading for people of all abilities Leads on to other activity, eg reading groups, volunteering, support for other family members

Six Book Challenge

2014 headline results 40,000 people registered 12,500 through public libraries and partners 17,000 in FE and sixth form colleges 9000 in prisons 1500 in workplaces Nearly 90% of survey respondents said they felt more confident about reading 79 organisations achieved more than 50 completers

Event at No. 11 Downing Street on International Literacy Day 8 September where goal of 50,000 participants set for “I have worked with the Six Book Challenge since it started and I feel as if I am really making a difference to people’s lives.” Janet Puzylo, Development Librarian - Reading, LiveWire Warrington

Senior management support “This is an ideal way for libraries to support the adult literacy agenda.” Ciara Eastell, President, Society of Chief Librarians and Head of Devon Libraries "It is a wonderful way to encourage learners to pick up a book, and we have seen attitudes towards reading change and confidence amongst participants soar." Jack Carney, Principal of The Manchester College, which achieved 510 completers in 2014

“The Six Book Challenge is part of my vision of how rehabilitation works in this prison.” Lynn Saunders, Governor, HMP Whatton “Through supporting the Six Book Challenge, Tesco has a role to play in getting more people to feel the inner confidence that reading can give them.” John McAlpine, Operations Director, Tesco

Six Book Challenge 2015 Packs to promote the Challenge and run it with 50 people available from September 2015 Discounts for multiple packs and reading diaries Bilingual materials for Wales Prize draws for completers and for colleges, prisons and workplaces – author visits Martina Cole, Andy McNab and Adele Parks continue as Ambassadors Gold/silver/bronze award scheme

Partnership working Public library services – over 60% involvement in 2014 Adult & community learning – strong SBC library authorities show engagement of high numbers Workplaces - engagement by TUC unionlearn, individual unions (Usdaw, UNISON) and some employers (Army) Prison education – around 100 prisons and YOIs FE college libraries – over 110 colleges took part in 2014 using their own libraries/learning resource centres Family learning, children’s centres – libraries running the Six Book Challenge alongside the Summer Reading Challenge Health – mental health groups, NHS Trusts

NEW Six Book Challenge website Sponsored by mobile company Three Adding a digital dimension to the Six Book Challenge Participants can create a an online profile, log, rate and review what they read Search for next read in our unique Find a read database – nearly 500 items (pre-Entry – Level 2) Printed books PLUS ebooks, audio, large print, newspapers, digital games

Contacts Genevieve Clarke (general) / David Kendall (prisons and workplaces) / Daniel Colagiovanni (sales enquiries)