The Power of Reading Award 2010

In 2010 Booktrust was delighted to return as sponsors for the Power of Reading Award. Judging the entries was a truly inspirational experience, with many stories of great achievements demonstrating the transformative effects that reading can really bring to lives.

Choosing a winner was a tough task but the Brighton & Hove City Parks Literacy Group shone out as a group that have really harnessed their new-found literacy skills to enhance their lives and those of their families and that express an obvious delight in this. Their stories highlighted that it is never too late to embark upon your reading and learning journeys, and hopefully they will give courage to other adults facing similar barriers to take action and do the same.

Click here for more specific information on the winners and the award

Winner of the 2009 Booktrust: Power of Reading Award

Gerildine Talbot from Leeds was the winner of the first Booktrust: Power of Reading Award. She was presented with her award of £250 by Viv Bird, Chief Executive of Booktrust, at an adult learning professionals' conference on Friday 15 May 2009.

Gerildine showed remarkable strength in overcoming a very difficult and disrupted childhood which left her illiterate. At the age of 43 she joined the East Leeds Family Learning Centre in Seacroft, Leeds. Within a year she had become a prominent member of the centre's book club, achieved entry level 2 in literacy and attained basic level computer skills.

Gerildine was nominated for the award by centre manager Anne Eveleigh who commented:

Gerildine deserves this award because she has shown such determination and resolve. Now a world is opening up to her that she never thought she would occupy. Learning has facilitated huge changes in Gerildine's life which has completely changed her view of her future.

Viv Bird said:

Judging this award was a challenging and inspirational experience and we were impressed by the wonderful achievements of the many entrants who revealed the transformative power of reading in their own lives. Gerildine Talbot's dedication and outstanding achievements made her a thoroughly deserving winner.

Gerildine Talbot said:

When they told me I had won I thought it was a wind-up! I used to walk about unable to read boards in the street. Letters sent from the school all had to be explained to me. I now cannot stop reading. In class I can even read aloud. I have books galore at home and now understand the joy of reading. Hopefully my winning the award will show others that your past doesn't have to continue into your present and everybody can learn to read if they want to with the support of family and teaching staff.

Everyone who was nominated for the Award received a Certificate of Achievement.