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News stories from the book world in February 2007

February 2007

World Book Day promotes Quick Reads

26 February 2007

This week we will celebrate the tenth World Book Day on 1 March. In the UK there will be the usual book tokens for children and a new chance to help nominate the Ten Books You Can't Live Without, but the most significant initiative is the ongoing development of the Quick Reads list.  Read more

Harry Potter price war starts

19 February 2007

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows will hit bookshops on 21 July. But a full five months before the just-announced publication date of the next Harry Potter title, a price war has already broken out. Waterstone's in the UK have just announced that they will be selling it at £8.99 ($17.53), with a free copy of Wizards of the World, worth £10.99 ($21.43).  Read more

Google Book Search plans e-books

12 February 2007

In spite of publishers' and authors' uneasiness, Google Book Search is continuing to come to agreements with libraries and building up its collection of digitised material. The University of California, thought to have the largest research/academic library in the world, has now agreed to contribute selected works from its 100 plus libraries to Google Book Search.   Read more

Reading aloud is key

5 February 2007

The Family Reading Campaign recently launched by the National Literacy TrustUK-based organisation which has campaigned since 1993 to improve literacy standards across all age groups. Excellent research information and details of the many initiatives the charity is currently involved in. www.literacytrust.org.uk. It also has a useful page of news stories on UK literacy, which links to newsletter http://www.readitswapit.co.uk/TheLibrary.aspx in the UK to encourage parental involvement in developing their children's literacy skills provides useful information which is internationally applicable.  Read more