25th March: Tolkien Reading Day
Xoanon @ 5:59 pm EST

Ian Collier from The Tolkien Society writes: Are you a dad, mum, grandparent, uncle, aunt with an interest in Tolkien? Are you a young person with an interest in Tolkien? Then Reading Day is designed for YOU

Tolkien Reading Day encourages the use of Tolkien's works in education and library reading groups, as this year's day falls on a Sunday the emphasis is on families reading together.

A chance for grownups and children to read together and share their thoughts about whatever stories by Tolkien they have read and to discover new ones. J.R.R. Tolkien's books appeal to all ages and readers worldwide find pleasure, entertainment and deep significance in his work.

Information packs are available online and in hard copy

For children and adults reading together is fun, and stimulates good conversation, vocabulary development, an interest in history and for some an interest in linguistics. 25th March has significance to Tolkien's readers, as it is the day of the Downfall of Sauron at the conclusion of the 'War of the Ring' in "The Lord of the Rings." There's more to Tolkien than "The Lord of the Rings" though. Families and reading groups can enjoy the story of the dog "Roverandom" and his adventures on the moon or the mock-medieval rebellion of "Farmer Giles of Ham" complete with giants and dragons.

Members of the public (or libraries and schools wishing to hold an event near to rather than on the 25th) can contact the Society for free posters and help with publicising their event.

Ideas for exploring Tolkien's books together are available online and in hard copy

e-mail us at education@tolkiensociety.org or write to:

The Tolkien Society Education Officer, 18 Magnolia Road, Bitterne,
Southampton, SO 19 7LH

Launched in 2003 the reading day event has sparked interest in reading and reading groups across several nations and ages from Primary schoolchildren to University students and library users of all ages. Hence the circulation of this release to the media, educational press and county library services.