Almost 600 adults have so far signed up for Awen Cultural Trust’s first-ever 21 Book Challenge since its launch in July; more than double the numbers anticipated. The initiative was supported by UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, in partnership with Bridgend County Borough Council.
Over the past six months, the challenge has encouraged library members across Bridgend County Borough to explore new book titles and authors, discover a variety of new genres and expand their reading horizons.
Themes included ‘a book written more than 100 years ago’, ‘a novel by a local author’, ‘an audiobook or e-audiobook’, ‘the first title in a trilogy’ and ‘a history book recommended by our Heritage Manager’ at Awen Cultural Trust.
Using a 21 Book Challenge ‘bingo sheet’ to record their progress and encourage completion, participants collected prizes, including bespoke bookmarks, travel mugs, tote bags, tea towels, after reading 7, 14 and 21 books.
The first person to complete the challenge in each library has been presented with a wooden bookend handcrafted at Wood-B, the training programme for adults with learning disabilities based in Tondu and also managed by Awen Cultural Trust.
The overall winner was Sarah-Jane Burns who said: “I have really enjoyed reading a range of books that I may not have explored if it wasn’t for the challenge. I have been transported to different eras around the world”.
Other feedback includes: “Since starting the challenge, I have never enjoyed reading so much”, “I took a local history book out and learnt lots about the area that I’ve never known” and “I was really surprised; I didn’t expect to enjoy a western”.
Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:
“When we launched the 21 Book Challenge earlier this year, we hoped but certainly didn’t expect so many people would get involved; it’s a big commitment to read so many types of books in just a few months!
“We know that reading for pleasure offers so many benefits for all ages, from improving language skills to reducing stress levels and broadening your perspective of the world. The 21 book categories chosen provided lots of opportunity for people to expand their reading tastes and try new things.
“The challenge has been lots of fun for our library staff who have enjoyed finding, discussing and recommending book titles. Many of them have taken part themselves and are proudly displaying their 21 Book Challenge prizes!”
