LIBRARIANS from across North Wales are encouraging the public to read something different.

As part of their 'Fantastic! Happier Together With North Wales Libraries', each month throughout the year, will see four of the 36 specially chosen books (two English language and two Welsh language) will be revealed, creating a calendar of captivating and uplifting reads.

Whatever the reading tastes of those participating, there will be something there to entertain, encourage and enrich their reading experience, which aims to be a real journey from the comfort of their armchair.

Additionally, readers are encouraged to share their experiences and opinions of the books online via Facebook, Twitter and Instagram or via the eye-catching postcards available from libraries.

The reading challenge has been devised by Estyn Allan y Gogledd, a partnership of libraries in North Wales, which aims to offer new opportunities for readers to take an active role in their own development and wellbeing.

The challenge also aims to allow readers to share their reading experiences with others, to develop imaginative projects which increase people’s enjoyment of reading and take the pleasure of reading to new audiences.

Debbie Williams, from the Estyn Allan y Gogledd libraries partnership, said: "The idea is that ‘Fantasic! Happier Together With North Wales Libraries’ would run almost like a reading group without the need to actually attend.

"People often get stuck in a ‘reading rut’ reading the same authors or genres and we are encouraging people to challenge themselves and try something new in 2020.

"We hope the campaign will open their eyes to the wider world of books in general and how reading can have a positive effect on their wellbeing; something which we at Wrexham Library Service will be only too happy to guide them through.

"Social media is becoming an increasingly useful tool for modern readers to discuss books, and we want to encourage people to discuss reading, books, and their benefits wherever possible."

For more information visit the Fantastic! Happier Together With North Wales Libraries Facebook, Twitter and Instagram page or visit in to your local library, or contact Wrexham Library on 01978 292020.