Launch of the National Year of Reading 2012
Well, it’s nearly a year to the day since the idea of a National Year of Reading was talked about at the ALIA Public Libraries Summit. At that event, there was a consensus in the room that it was something libraries needed to do, not only to help tackle Australia’s poor literacy performance, but also to show government that public libraries and library associations across Australia could truly unite behind a national priority and make a significant difference. As a result, eleven founding partners, including ALIA, have got together to produce the National Year of Reading 2012. We’re pleased to be working with Public Libraries Australia; ACT Library and Information Service; five state-based public library associations in New South Wales (Country), South Australia, Victoria and Western Australia, and the State Libraries of the Northern Territory, Queensland, Tasmania, and Western Australia.
This campaign gives libraries the opportunity to be the lead agency in a high-profile, national initiative which can help improve the lives of thousands of Australians. Astonishingly, 46% of Australians lack the prose literacy skills required for normal everyday life and work. Things like reading a recipe, the instructions on a medicine bottle, a newspaper, or job description are beyond them. (have you seen the flyer on the front inside page of this month’s inCite magazine?)
You can find out all about the National Year of Reading on the newly-launched website at www.love2read.org.au. This is the start of a very busy 18 months. It sounds a long lead-in, but the time to plan is actually quite short. At ALIA, we’ve already started thinking about what we’ll be doing for our members during 2012.
There will be some major national programs, but there is also the opportunity to create your own local initiatives. We’d love to hear what you’d like us to do in 2012 and about your ideas for your own projects. Send your thoughts to advocacy@alia.org.au
You can also use the #Love2Read hashtag to tweet about your creative ideas and suggestions.
Sue Hutley, ALIA Executive Director