New Reader-in-Residence Sets Sail

The Reader Organisation's 'Reading Revolution' is in full force: we have just assigned a Reader-in-Residence to Bibby Line Group, one of one of the oldest shipping companies in Liverpool. Armed with books and enthusiasm (and a bit of trepidation), Ella Jolly embarks the ship.

Ella Jolly, Reader-in-Residence and Caroline Swailes, Bibby Line Group's Community Programme Co-ordinator

As an organisation that embraces change - embodied by its ethos 'continuing to evolve' - the shipping company Bibby Line Group has diversified into areas such as financial services and distribution. In endeavouring to evolve once more, Bibby has become the first business in the country to welcome a Reader-in-Residence into its midst. Over the next twelve months in my position as Reader, I will travel to all Bibby UK sites (which range from the Kelloggs factory in Manchester to an oil platform in the North Sea) to promote reading in the workplace. This will initially involve setting up reading groups, based on the successful Get Into Reading model, which will be available to all members of staff.

The first Bibby Get Into Reading group (with lots of tea and cake, of course)

The project will include initiatives such as office book shares and a website with daily poems, monthly novel recommendations and interactive message boards; ultimately culminating in Bibby's own internal literary festival. Essentially, I am striving to encourage a culture of reading at work, in the hope that this will make Bibby a better place to work.

By Ella Jolly