Exeter’s search for her favorite books continues in a new initiative launched on World Book Day.
More than 1,000 years ago, the Exeter Book was written down by a single scribe in a city that valued the power of words.
Now in its fifth year as a UNESCO City of Literature, the city has gone back to its literary roots to discover Exeter’s favorite books.
Exeter City Literary Charity has launched City Reads, a city-wide initiative to discover Exeter’s favorite fiction books.
Organizations including Exeter Chiefs, Exeter College, Exeter City Football Club Museum and CoLab will nominate their favorite books, which will be shortlisted for a public vote between June and September.
Ms Exeter’s favorite books will be unveiled at a major event on International Literacy Day on Sunday, September 8, alongside book giveaways and author readings.
The city earned the prestigious UNESCO City of Literature designation in 2019 for its significant history of reading and literacy dating back more than 1,000 years. With one of the most popular libraries in the country and over 30 independent bookstores across Devon, Exeter is definitely a city for bookworms.
Exeter City of Literature, a charity set up in 2021 to manage the UNESCO designation, celebrates Exeter as a place for book lovers, improves access to books and promotes reading across the city. We want to make it fun.
Exeter’s well-known institutions and much-loved community groups will engage staff and stakeholders to nominate their favorite fiction books throughout the spring, which will be shared on Exeter City of Literature’s social media.
Public voting will open at a special voting booth at Exeter City of Literature’s 4th Annual Book Market on Sunday 9th June.
During the general voting period, in addition to online voting, ballot boxes will be set up throughout the city. Exeter Literature City and corporate sponsors will also run contests and giveaways, providing free books to areas with low literacy rates.
The public vote closes on Friday 2 August and City Read will culminate in a special event on Sunday 8 September, International Literacy Day, to reveal Ms Exeter’s favorite book.
Anna Cohn Orchard, Executive Director of Exeter City of Literature, said:
“We want to celebrate reading for fun, giving the gift of books, and having casual discussions about our favorite books.” We want to unite the city around the joy of reading, no matter the book.”
James Urquhart, interim director of literature at Arts Council England, said:
“Reading for pleasure is highly valued by the Arts Council for all the joy, excitement and empathy that a great story brings, and for the stimulation that reading can have on mental health.
“It’s great to see this vibrant program connect people with books throughout the year and celebrate reading in the city and beyond.”