Sheffield Readathon will still go-ahead in the school half term, despite the pandemic

This year, though the pandemic has prevented libraries from running live events, half-term Readathon activities will continue online between February 15-19.

“Library volunteers across the city are deeply sad not to be presenting a full

range of young people’s activities,” said Chris Reece from the volunteer

libraries.

“So we are making sure that our half-term Readathon offer, Our City

Reads, is a particularly spectacular one this year.

"We are working with Chol Theatre and Nik Perring, writer in residence for Sheffield Libraries, who will present online poetry and creative ideas workshops, and an open poetry performance session.

"We are pleased to welcome Site Gallery who will provide an additional workshop called New Tricks: Home Studio Recording Workshop.”

The week begins with a mass reading of Mrs City, a poem written by Nik Perring, that will feature recordings by young people across Sheffield.

Chol Theatre’s contributions fill most of the rest of the week. On Tuesday 16, they will present two 60-minute creative ideas workshops at 10am and 3pm. Wednesday 17 will see them joined by Nik Perring for a poetry workshop from 10am to 11.30am.

On Friday 19 there will be an open performance poetry session hosted by Nik Perring from noon which will be open to anyone who has taken part in the Tuesday or Wednesday events. Further information about all these sessions is available from Lauren Ash at

[email protected]

Site Gallery’s Home Studio Recording Workshop will take place at 2pm on

Thursday 18. All equipment will be provided in advance.

For further details contact [email protected]

*Volunteer Libraries in Sheffield (VLIS) is a group of 16 independent charities, each one operating a Community Library in Sheffield. As well as lending books, these libraries offer an increasing number of other activities such as cinema clubs, local societies and special children's events.

In these confusing and worrying times, local journalism is more vital than ever. Thanks to everyone who helps us ask the questions that matter by taking out a digital subscription or buying a paper. We stand together. Nancy Fielder, editor.