WARRINGTON library operator LiveWire has received a gold award from The Reading Agency for encouraging adults across the borough to improve their literacy skills.
It’s after 159 people completed the Reading Ahead challenge this year – the highest number since the scheme was introduced in Warrington nine years ago. Nearly twice as many adults managed to complete the scheme this year than last.
The national challenge encourages participants to read six pieces of writing – which can include books, short stories, poems, magazines or newspaper articles – and record their reading in a diary.
This is the first time LiveWire has been given a gold award, which is only awarded to organisations who have more than 150 completers.
LiveWire worked with a range of partners across the town to target hard-to-reach groups and individuals with poor literacy skills.
Students from Warrington Collegiate and Priestley College, patients from Warrington Hospital, residents at Gainsborough House care home and attendees at Gorse Covert Day Centre were among the participants who completed the challenge.
Clients from LiveWire’s Read to Relax groups also took part, along with inmates at Risley and Thorn Cross Prisons – where LiveWire also runs library services.
Cheryl Siddall, LiveWire’s strategic library lead, said: “It was fantastic to see so many people completing this year’s Reading Ahead challenge.
“The scheme really provides an opportunity for participants to improve their skills, confidence and motivation to continue reading and learning.
“Those who completed the scheme did not only improve their reading, but also their writing, speaking and listening skills.”
