Children’s literacy charity, Doorstep Library Network announced today that it has been nominated for the international literacy award, Systematic Joy of Reading Award being presented in Denmark next month.  There were over 30 entrants from 16 different countries who submitted entries, and Doorstep was one of six charities shortlisted to be considered for the award.

“We’re thrilled and honoured to have been nominated for this prestigious award.  It is recognition of our innovative and dynamic approach to improving literacy amongst children living in deprived areas of London.  Competition is stiff for awards of this calibre and size; being shortlisted is affirmation of our success in spreading the joy of reading and inspiring children to embrace books,” declared Doorstep Director, Katie Bareham.

Established by the Danish IT company, Systematic, in collaboration with the Next Library Conference, the Joy of Reading Award, worth $10,000 is awarded to projects that help fight illiteracy and promote the joy of reading. An international jury will assess all the applications, selecting the nominees and the eventual winner.  The award will be presented for the very first time in June 2017 at the Next Library Conference to be held in Aarhus, Denmark by Princess Laurentien of the Netherlands, founder of The Reading and Writing Foundation.

Over 80 Doorstep Library volunteers have supported nearly 400 children and their families this year.  The aim is to instil a love of reading outside the classroom, to improve literacy, education and life chances.  Primarily the charity wants to encourage children to love reading and to read for pleasure.  Volunteers take books into homes and encourage pre-primary and primary school aged children to read with them and to them.   More than 12,000 books have been borrowed and read through Doorstep this year alone.

To find out more about Doorstep Library visit http://www.doorsteplibrary.org.uk
To find out more about the award visit https://systematic.com/library-learning/awards/systematic-joy-of-reading/nominees-2017/