Devon County Council

devon.gov.uk

From Michaila Hill, Exeter 382535, November 25,2008

Nineteen Devon Libraries have received an early delivery of Christmas goodies this year in the shape of mystery parcels for adventurous readers.

A selection of new books has been wrapped in Christmas paper and placed in a box in each library.

Readers choose a mystery wrapped book which is stamped out as a regular library book - but aren't allowed to open the wrapping and find out what the book is until they get home.

Library staff start to collect up suitable new books that arrive in their branches several weeks beforehand, wrap them in Christmas paper and encourage readers to take them home as a surprise read.

Readers are then asked to add a review of the book using a comments slip. They are asked if they would have chosen the book, and what they enjoyed or didn't like about it. Over 400 reviews were received last year, many of the readers delighted to discover a new author

"We're asking readers to be a little bit brave and try something new" said Carol Ackroyd, the County Council's Reader Development Officer. "Most of us are rather set in our ways, and stick to the same kinds of read, so this is a fun way of widening people's horizons."

Executive Member for Culture Sheila Hobden said: "The Christmas Surprise has gained momentum around our libraries over the years. There's no guarantee the book will be to their liking, but each year readers tell us they have discovered authors or tried genres they would never have found for themselves.

"Not only does it offer readers the chance to try something new, but it offers us a valuable opportunity to find out what they thought of the book and helps us keep in touch with what local people think."

The Christmas surprise book parcels will be available at the following libraries from Wednesday 3 December until Christmas Eve.

Barnstaple

Bideford

Bovey Tracey

Braunton

Combe Martin

Crediton

Cullompton

Dartmouth

Dawlish

Exmouth

Holsworthy

Honiton

Ilfracombe

Kingskerswell

Kingsteignton

Okehampton

Ottery St Mary

Sidmouth

Tiverton

For more information about Devon libraries go to www.devon.gov.uk/libraries

• Leader of the Council - Cllr Brian Greenslade
• Chief Executive -- Phil Norrey

• Budget £800 million
• Key investments include:
• Schools £349 million
• Adult and Community Services £164 million
• Environment, Economy and Culture £106 million
• Children and Young People £101 million

• Other important County Council support includes:
• Building programme: £185 million for new schools, roads, care services, libraries and recycling centres

• Political make-up:
• County Council seats: 62
• 33 Liberal Democrat
• 23 Conservative
• 4 Labour
• 2 Independent
• Next County Council elections: May 7, 2009

• Key stats:
• Population: 741,000
• Schools: 365
• Pupils: 96,200
• Children looked after: 584
• Adults helped to live at home: 17,622
• Residential and nursing care: 4,212 adults
• Libraries and Mobile Libraries: 61
• Roads: 12,831 kms (7,973 miles)
• Bridges: 3,500
• Public Rights of Way: 4,960 kms (3,200 miles)
• Streetlights: 71,000
• Illuminated road signs: 10,917
• Recycling Centres: 20
• Recycling rate: 49.21%

Figures may be subject to change

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