Hackney Council held its first ever ‘BOscors’ (Oscars for books) last week (Thursday 3 March) at Hackney Central Library.

Residents were invited to tell the Council their favourite books in the run up to World Book Day (3 March). The Council wanted to know that “special book” - the one that made a big impression and maybe changed someone’s life.

The winning titles at Hackney’s ‘BOscors’ were:
Favourite adult book: The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson
Favourite Children’s book: Horrid Henry’s Joke Book

The Council also announced the most borrowed books from Hackney Council’s libraries in 2010/11.

Adult fiction: The Girl who kicked the Hornet’s Nest by Stieg Larsson
Adult non-fiction: Life in the UK: a Journey to Citizenship
Children’s fiction: Clothes Poems by John Foster
Children’s non- fiction: Horrid Henry’s Joke Book

Cambridge scholar, Claire Norman discussed why libraries matter more than ever before. She talked about the history of libraries through the ages, and their value.

Mr. Nosey also paid a visit to Hackney libraries and a series of fun activities and story telling sessions were held for young children.

Councillor Jonathan McShane, Cabinet member for Community Services said: “We brought the Boscors to Hackney because we want to get people thinking and talking about books. Books are free to borrow which is why everyone should pay a visit to their local library. While you re there take look at everything else your library has to offer - free internet access, study space and information about your local area and services. Now really is the time the time to give your local library a second look!”

Over the last few months the Council has had a drive to encourage more people to join its libraries. In the last year, for the first time ever, there have been more than one and a half million visits to Hackney s libraries, and membership is increasing too.

Hackney Council also recently announced that none of Hackney’s eight libraries would be closing, and that for 2011/12 there is a budget of around £8.1m in for its library and archives service. The Council will also continue to offer some of the longest library opening hours in the country.

Every library will have free Wifi access, and upgraded computer facilities and full self service technology, which allows staff to spend more time away from the counter helping customers. To ensure that this is sustainable, we will be making some changes to the way that we deliver services over the coming months, but we will continue to deliver an excellent service to our customers. The Council is reviewing all aspects of library delivery to ensure a service which is sustainable for the future. The needs of library users will be paramount in this review.

Later this year, the new Dalston C.L.R James Library and Hackney Archives will be opening its doors to the public.