RIF plans for city children

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) has announced two major projects that will enable nearly 2,500 children to choose and own books at no cost to them or their families. The projects will involve schools in the north of London and in Dundee.

During the summer, 380 Hackney 10-year-olds and their parents will visit the British Library for a number of events, including a visit to the new "Chapter and Verse" literature exhibition, a book-making workshop and a storytelling session. At the end of the day, each child will be able to choose and keep a free book.

The project is supported by Single Regeneration Budget funding from the City Fringe Partnership, and will continue for two years. Additional events will be organised at which children will be able to choose and keep books.

A second project, backed by the New Opportunities Fund, involves reading clubs in 11 schools in Dundee. Children who attend the reading clubs will be encouraged to help organise RIF programmes within their schools for other S1 level children (11 and 12-year-olds). They will also be responsible for selecting the books that will be made available at RIF's book selection events.