A taste for literature

Newcomer to Hebden Bridge was chosen to take part in World Book Night

Thursday, 10 March 2011

Vicki Berry moved to Hebden Bridge with her daughter in September 2010 and got involved in various activities at Hebden Vale Children's Centre. Vicki felt so welcomed at the Centre that she decided to use it as the basis of her application for World Book Night.

Sandra Bell, Hebden Vale Children's Centre Manager
and Vicki Berry with the book Toast by Nigel Slater

World Book Night was the most ambitious and far-reaching celebration of adult books and reading ever attempted in the UK and Ireland. On 5 March, two days after World Book Day, one million books from 25 authors were given away free of charge by an army of passionate readers to members of the public.

The aim is to encourage people to comment about the books they have read (on a global website) and then pass them on. In doing this, it is hoped that the books can be tracked from the 'giver' ? in this case Vicki, to all subsequent readers of the book.

Vicki received 48 copies of her chosen book, Toast by Nigel Slater, to distribute to whomever she wanted. She chose Taste as she is a big fan of Nigel Slater's writing and cooking style and thought it would be a fun read for people.

Vicki said: "I have just moved to Hebden Bridge with a toddler so most of my time is spent at the fantastic Children's Centre. I thought by taking part in the World Book Night it would be a great way to meet more mums and add another dynamic to friendships through reading.

"World Book Night is all about promoting reading to the masses. I was lucky enough to be chosen and I am really excited to be a part of this and I hope the end result might be a Hebden Book Club!"

Councillor Pauline Nash, Portfolio Holder for Safer and Stronger Communities said: "With the popularity of computers and video games, reading can often take a backseat. Reading is important as it broadens the thinking of a person, increases vocabulary and improves concentration and focus ? as well as being an excellent way of relaxing on an evening. This initiative is a great way of getting people reading and even better that it is happening here in Calderdale."