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25/10/2024
Hydebank Female Prison Marks Book Week NI
Justice Minister Naomi Long has visited Hydebank Wood Secure College and Female Prison to mark Book Week NI – an initiative to encourages adults across Northern Ireland to join in a reading experience.
Visiting the prison library, Naomi Long said: "Prison libraries are an important hub of learning for people in custody. They are a calming space for anyone and everyone; from people just learning to read, right through to those who read multiple books every week.
"The Book Week initiative shows that reading is not just a skill we learn in school - it's something that can support personal growth and help people deal with challenges in their lives. For many prisoners, reading has become a form of escapism, offering relief from the confines of their cells while expanding their minds."
Hydebank Wood College Governor Richard Taylor said: "Book Week is an opportunity to highlight the importance of making reading accessible to everyone, regardless of their background or current reading ability. By offering a variety of activities and approaches to reading, Prison Service is helping prisoners build skills that can benefit them both inside and outside prison.
"In prison, reading can be a useful tool for learning, passing time, and managing stress. By incorporating a variety of reading experiences, from audiobooks to subtitles, and even reading through touch, learners are encouraged to explore new ways to interact with literature, emphasising that reading is personal and can be adapted to everyone's needs."
Hydebank College librarian Deborah Martin said: "Throughout Book Week, the young men and women here at Hydebank took part in activities designed to make reading more engaging. They were involved in book folding, which is very popular especially among the females, participated in creative art classes and some even recorded a storybook for their children."
Deborah added: "Prison librarians have an important role creating a welcoming and safe space where people can experience something different, whether it's renting a DVD, playing a game of chess, browsing magazines or checking out books."
Visiting the prison library, Naomi Long said: "Prison libraries are an important hub of learning for people in custody. They are a calming space for anyone and everyone; from people just learning to read, right through to those who read multiple books every week.
"The Book Week initiative shows that reading is not just a skill we learn in school - it's something that can support personal growth and help people deal with challenges in their lives. For many prisoners, reading has become a form of escapism, offering relief from the confines of their cells while expanding their minds."
"In prison, reading can be a useful tool for learning, passing time, and managing stress. By incorporating a variety of reading experiences, from audiobooks to subtitles, and even reading through touch, learners are encouraged to explore new ways to interact with literature, emphasising that reading is personal and can be adapted to everyone's needs."
Hydebank College librarian Deborah Martin said: "Throughout Book Week, the young men and women here at Hydebank took part in activities designed to make reading more engaging. They were involved in book folding, which is very popular especially among the females, participated in creative art classes and some even recorded a storybook for their children."
Deborah added: "Prison librarians have an important role creating a welcoming and safe space where people can experience something different, whether it's renting a DVD, playing a game of chess, browsing magazines or checking out books."
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08 September 2003
UK adults encouraged to read more
A new survey has revealed that a quarter of UK adults have not read a single book in the last 12 months. The figures, part of the National Reading Campaign's research into personal reading habits across the country, coincided with International Literacy Day on Monday.
UK adults encouraged to read more
A new survey has revealed that a quarter of UK adults have not read a single book in the last 12 months. The figures, part of the National Reading Campaign's research into personal reading habits across the country, coincided with International Literacy Day on Monday.
13 December 2012
Hydebank Prisoners Win Reading Award
Northern Ireland Prison Service Director General Sue McAllister has welcomed the news that library and education staff and prisoners at Hybebank YOC have won an award at a reading challenge event in London. The Hydeback representatives won silver awards at the Six Book Challenge awards in London.
Hydebank Prisoners Win Reading Award
Northern Ireland Prison Service Director General Sue McAllister has welcomed the news that library and education staff and prisoners at Hybebank YOC have won an award at a reading challenge event in London. The Hydeback representatives won silver awards at the Six Book Challenge awards in London.
07 March 2013
World Book Day: O'Dowd Encourages Reading Among Children
Education Minister John O'Dowd has taken advantage of World Book Day 2013 to encourage reading among children. The Minister said: "The ability to read and write effectively is something that many of us take for granted, but sadly it is a skill that some people struggle with and this can have a negative impact on their lives.
World Book Day: O'Dowd Encourages Reading Among Children
Education Minister John O'Dowd has taken advantage of World Book Day 2013 to encourage reading among children. The Minister said: "The ability to read and write effectively is something that many of us take for granted, but sadly it is a skill that some people struggle with and this can have a negative impact on their lives.
26 October 2009
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
Prison Arts Celebrated
Northern Ireland prisoners have won two first prizes and landed more than 29 awards in a prestigious UK-wide competition for prison arts. Artwork from Maghaberry and Hydebank Wood was among 150 original visual pieces on display at the annual Koestler Awards Exhibition which previewed at the Royal Festival Hall in London today.
21 October 2024
Minister Visits Larne Library For Book Week NI
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited Larne Library today to promote the importance of reading as part of Book Week NI. Book Week NI is a collaborative effort between Libraries NI and BBC NI aimed at fostering literacy and learning throughout Northern Ireland.
Minister Visits Larne Library For Book Week NI
Communities Minister Gordon Lyons visited Larne Library today to promote the importance of reading as part of Book Week NI. Book Week NI is a collaborative effort between Libraries NI and BBC NI aimed at fostering literacy and learning throughout Northern Ireland.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
