Power to the (young) people

STELLA THEBRIDGE

The author reports on the 'Switched on to Reading' project with looked-after children in Warwickshire. The article explains the background to the project and the need to minimise the barriers to library use by this group. Details are given of the various activities organised, as well as of staff training initiatives and partnership working. Finally, the author emphasises the need to mainstream services to this client group and describes the legacy of the project.

Further information
John Vincent’s email list
Paul Hamlyn Foundation website:
www.phf.org.uk
The interim and final project reports can be downloaded from:
www.warwickshire.gov.uk/libraries
Project contact Stella Thebridge was project co-ordinator for the Switched on to Reading project in 2007-08. She then became co-ordinator of the National Year of Reading in Warwickshire and is now Service Development Officer: children, young people and families (jobshare) with Warwickshire Library and Information Service.
Email:
stellathebridge@warwickshire.gov.uk