Lee Child backs launch of reading scheme to send prisons half a million books
The Jack Reacher author, the UK’s first prison reading laureate, said drive to improve literacy skills was a practical way to address reoffending and support rehabilitation Nearly half a million books will be distributed across prisons in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland this autumn, in a campaign backed by bestselling thriller writer Lee Child. The initiative, delivered by the Reading Agency charity as…
Key points
- Nearly 500,000 books will go to prisons across the UK this autumn.
- Lee Child, the UK's first prison reading laureate, backs the scheme.
- Ministry of Justice data show 65% of prison entrants test below GCSE level.
Nearly half a million books will be distributed across prisons in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland this autumn. The campaign is backed by bestselling thriller writer Lee Child, the UK's first prison reading laureate.
The Reading Agency charity is delivering the initiative through its Quick Reads programme. Copies of 11 short books will be sent to every prison cell and to prison libraries, with titles chosen with input from prisoners and staff.
What Child said
Child said the scheme aims to address the "revolving door" of people leaving prison, struggling outside and returning to custody. He said stopping one in 10 from coming back would be a major achievement, good for society and for future employers.
He said people who want to go straight after prison face barriers such as finding work with a conviction and poor literacy. Everyday tasks like reading a lease or dealing with utilities can also become obstacles, he added.
My point is that no, it's actually hard on crime. It is focusing on where the budget and attention should really be.
— Lee Child
Books and activities
The Quick Reads collection covers crime and thrillers, memoir, wellbeing and a creative writing guide. Titles include High Heat by Child, Cell One by Leye Adenle, and Darkness Rising by AA Dhand. Other authors include Lemn Sissay, Andy McNab, Dr Alex George, Dreda Say Mitchell, Fiona Cummins, Cathy Rentzenbrink and Alex Wheatle.
The Reading Agency will also run author-led workshops, creative writing activities, content for National Prison Radio and resources for prison libraries and education teams. The Henry Smith Foundation, a poverty-focused non-profit, funds the initiative.
