Stafford MP Theo Clarke has launched her Get Stafford Reading campaign ahead of World Book Day next month and has secured 50 new books for each primary school to kick off the initiative.
Publisher Harper Collins has agreed to supply the books after Mrs Clarke approached the company. She has written to every primary school to ask if they would like them.
In the letter she said: “As your local MP, I have been campaigning for several years to boost reading among local children in Stafford.
“I am delighted to announce my latest campaign ‘Get Stafford Reading’, which encourages children in my constituency to read for pleasure, in the run up to World Book Day on 7 th March.
“I have seen for myself when visiting numerous schools in Stafford the central role that libraries play in fostering a reading culture in school.
“Having been a pupil librarian at my own school growing up, I recall how important World Book Day was in encouraging my lifelong love of reading.
“I hope that you will consider participating in my ‘Get Stafford Reading’ campaign and World Book Day.”
The MP also asked for pupils to participate in her Design a Bookmark competition as part of Get Stafford Reading.
Bookmarks should be submitted to her constituency office before Thursday 29th March.
“Bookmarks must be hand drawn and not contain digitally generated imagery. I will be judging the competition and will be looking to reward creativity and originality,” she explained.
“The winning bookmark will be presented to the Prime Minister at the Houses of Parliament,” the MP added.
The MP’s office is address is: Unit 8 Pearl House, Anson Court, Staffordshire Technology Park, Beaconside, Stafford, ST18 0GB
