READING: CAFE CULTURE, LITERALLY

libros buenosaires

National Literacy Trust Policy Adviser George Dugdale said:

“Literacy is at the heart of education and social justice, and in the modern world it is increasingly crucial. However, recent international comparisons have revealed worrying statistics about literacy in the UK."

My suggestion, to redress the balance, is to get books to adults, and children, in a non-threatening situation. The youngest children mimic their parents. Older ones influence their peers. Get books into Starbucks! 
Increase literacy, one latte at a time ;)

"The most beautiful thing about reading is talking about it," said Hernan Lombardi, Buenos Aires's Minister of Culture. In April of this year, a new city government scheme was created: 

• The plan was to put books on display in cafes and encourage patrons to pick them up and read them while they are there. 

• The aim was to promote literature and to encourage adults to read. The first collection chosen was the works of the Argentinian writer, Jorge Luis Borges. 

I miss Borders. Books and coffee: what a great combination. Many cafes, ranging from Betty's (deliciously quaint) Tea Rooms to the local MaccyDs provide newspapers. Imagine the scope and reach of a national scheme to increase reading by having libraries in cafes? Twitter trending on the great author debate - one author at a time. The coffee, and tea, shops of Britain - in town centres, train stations, shopping centres - all providing books to encourage reading and debate. 

 Starting one author at a time? Who would you select? 

If you are local, this event might be inspirational:

Life Stories Cafe:  True Storytelling Event 


Woolfson &Tay, a new independent bookshop, cafe, and gallery in Bermondsey Square, London SE1, has a programme of events including author talks, poetry open mics, and photo exhibits.  In December they are introducing: The Life Stories Cafe, inaugurated by poet Dorothea Smartt. 


Friday, Dec. 3   7.00 pm   £5   Bring your own wine - corkage applies.