Reading matters as council and foodbanks team up for World Book Night

David Mark with literature lovers at Touchstones Arts and Heritage Centre

Two local foodbanks took a novel approach and included free books in food parcels as part of the borough’s World Book Night celebrations.

The award winning “Raven Black”, by Ann Cleeves, the first title in her Shetland series, was included in emergency food packages distributed by foodbanks in Rochdale and Heywood.

A number of Rochdale Borough Council libraries also distributed the popular thriller, which scooped Cleeves the richest crime writing prize in the world in 2006.

Literature lovers were also treated to a visit by award winning author David Mark, to speak about his latest novel, “Cruel Mercy”. He wowed a packed audience at Touchstones Arts and Heritage Centre, reading extracts from his critically acclaimed thriller.

World Book Night is an annual celebration of books and reading, which enables organisations and individual volunteers to give away books to adults who might not own books or read for pleasure.

Each year the worldwide event is celebrated by millions on 23 April, the anniversary of the birth and death of William Shakespeare.

Joanne Eaves, of the council’s library service, said: “World Book Night is about spreading the joy of reading to new audience. The council is sending out an important message that reading is something everyone can enjoy, regardless of age and income. A huge thanks David Mark for visiting and to the local foodbanks for ensuring that more people have the opportunity to enjoy a great read. ”