New book exchange scheme launched to celebrate National Year of Reading

It marks the National Year of Reading, a country-wide campaign to inspire people to discover or rediscover a love of reading books.

An exchange is currently set up in the reception area at Hinckley Leisure Centre for the Easter school holidays. It will then be at various town centre events throughout the year, including St George’s Day celebrations, Feast Hinckley and Snap Dragon.

The exchange is open to all ages and all appropriate books. Whether your kids are after something fun to read, or you want to relax in the evening with a cosy novel, there will be something for everyone.

To take part simply choose a book or drop one off at the exchange, you don’t need to donate a book to choose one.

Cllr Mark Bools, Deputy Leader of the Borough Council, said: “I encourage everyone to get involved and swap your books throughout the year.

“The statistics from the National Literacy Trust show that only a third of kids aged eight to 18 enjoy reading in their spare time. I think this is a great shame as books can be such a great spark of imagination and creativity for youngsters.

“They are a great way for teenagers and adults to relax and escape too. We are all guilty of spending too much time on our screens and getting lost in a good book can help bring our screen time down.”