“Inspiring Readers”: a cross border reader development project

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to describe a major reader development initiative delivered by a cross‐border partnership, involving two public library authorities (one in Ireland and one in the UK). It aims to outline the strategies and activities developed to support the wider political agenda of building a peaceful and stable society.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper provides an introduction to the context within which the project was developed and an overview of the project delivery. It focuses on the development of project activities to address the peace and reconciliation agenda and draws on the external evaluation report findings.

Findings

The project demonstrates that public libraries are well placed to develop and deliver community‐based programmes to address sensitive and contentious issues, through the provision of reading activities and opportunities for meaningful discussion.

Originality/value

This paper is based on the experience of two public library services, operating in different countries, in communities divided by physical borders and sectarian divisions. It shows how libraries can capitalise on their local presence, and the imaginative space provided by books and reading, to move from their traditional role as a neutral space to a more dynamic role, in which the promotion of reading supports inclusion and diversity.

Citation

Peoples, A. and Ward, T. (2007), "“Inspiring Readers”: a cross border reader development project", New Library World, Vol. 108 No. 5/6, pp. 218-228. https://doi.org/10.1108/03074800710748786