The BBC has announced a new programme to support #LovetoRead – a campaign celebrating reading for pleasure and aiming to create a national conversation around books. It will feature over 50 hours of content throughout autumn, across TV, Radio and Online.
"Evidence suggests that reading is key to a happy and fulfilled life. So the ambition of #LovetoRead is to get the nation reading more, talking about the books they love, and inspire a new generation of readers too."
Jonty Claypole, Director of Arts, BBC
Saturday night becomes Books Night on BBC Two with highlights including a documentary on Sue Townsend narrated by Julie Walters and an observational documentary in which comedian Javone Prince and author Helen Skelton try to persuade reluctant teenagers to give books a chance in The School That Got Teens Reading.
A series on Radio 6 Music where Steve Lamacq will interview children’s authors including Charlie Higson, Dame Jacqueline Wilson and Oliver Jeffers. In addition, Lauren Laverne and Cerys Matthews will be broadcasting special editions of their programmes from libraries.
On CBBC, there will be another chance to see Horrible Histories Staggering Storytellers and on the 5 and 6 November, the CBBC Website will be jam-packed full of Awesome Authors content, with book and character quizzes and author interviews with Jacqueline Wilson, David O'Doherty and David Baddiel. And BBC Asian Network will be speaking to author Bali Rai and other Asian authors about their favourite book.
Find out more at the BBC Mediacentre page.