“Ellies” – the new Ellesmere Port Prize for Reading

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Libraries Service has partnered with the three high schools in Ellesmere Port to boost reading and library membership amongst 11- to 14-year-olds.

The “Ellies” are a new award scheme that recognises those students in the town who read the most, have most improved their reading or who have shown the most resilience in keeping up their reading.

Each school will decide who will receive three awards (strongest, resilience and achievement) with each winning student receiving a trophy and a gift token. Each school will also decide on a further five commended students who will receive a gift token. There will also be an award for those who are home schooled.

The Council’s Cabinet Member for Fairer Futures, Councillor Lisa Denson said:

“I’m delighted this scheme will recognise students who are developing their reading skills.

“A panel of judges will also decide on the student who most deserves a paramount award and they will receive a further trophy and gift voucher. The awards ceremony will take place at Ellesmere Port Library in March.”

School assemblies, attended by a member of the library team will take place in each school to encourage joining the public library and reading. Any form of reading books, eBooks and eAudio (talking books available online) will be considered.

There are 22 libraries across Cheshire West and Chester, a Mobile Library and Home Library Service. Its free to join and books can be borrowed from and returned to any library. You can access computers and wi-fi for free or join in with a wide range of events and activities for all ages.

There are also thousands of free eBooks, eAudiobooks and eMagazines for you to borrow.

To find out more visit the webpages at: 

www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries.

The three High Schools are Ellesmere Port Catholic High School, the Whitby High School and the Ellesmere Port C of E College.

The funding for the awards has been provided by Ellesmere Port councillors.