News
HMP Perth wins prison prize draw
Eighteen prisons entered the prize draw for prisons and young offender institutions sponsored by Costa Coffee in 2009. The winning prison receives a selection of shortlisted books from the 2008 Costa Book Awards to the value of at least £500. We leave it to the discretion of the prison involved to arrange how the offenders involved will benefit as best suits their regime.
The winner is HMP Perth in Scotland where ten prisoners took part in the Six Book Challenge. Sandra Currie, Literacy Development Officer with Perth & Kinross Libraries, has been running the Six Book Challenge in both the local community and within the prison. "I am so pleased that HMP Perth has won the prize draw," comments Sandra, "and I know the tutors and learners will be equally as thrilled."
Library staff worked with prison education tutors to promote the scheme to prisoners. Here are couple of responses:
Has reading books for the challenge been enjoyable for you, and if so why?
"Yes, I have found out if I take time out to think I can get through a lot more situations in a more positive way as I had a bit of difficulty in the past with that and it was taking time out to read that I got this help from."
Do you think you will carry on reading after the challenge?
"I really hope so - will definitely try, especially if we can keep the book group going. It really makes you think 'Why do I not read more than I have?'"
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- Top author to visit winning workplace
- Go North West!
- Free Word event to celebrate Challenge
- Challenge continues to grow
- Mike Gayle continues as patron
- Six Book Challenge named as finalist
- HMP Perth wins prison prize draw
- Language learner wins 2009 prize
- New publication features Challenge in the workplace
