Young Wrexham

Literature

Reading and writing allows you to get lost in a different world and use your imagination. For anything to do with literature, you don't need much to get you started. Just a few sheets of paper, a good imagination for writing, and a library for reading.

Buying books

There are now several ways to buy books:

• From high street bookshops, including Waterstones and WHSmiths as well as smaller, independent bookshops
• It is now often cheaper to buy books over the Internet, from sites such as Amazon and Blackwells
• Many supermarkets are also selling books
• Charity shops and second hand bookshops are great places to pick up books cheaply

Reading

Reading is a great way to relax, and will also develop your own writing skills because you can read many different styles of writing.

You don't have to buy all the books you want to read. Many schools will have libraries where you can borrow books, or you can also borrow them from the public library for free.

Libraries

Many towns and cities have a public library where you can borrow books for free. Libraries are a great way to find out more about a particular subject or read for pleasure, no matter what your age or ability. Libraries today contain not only books, but a host of resources including online and multimedia facilities and newspapers that can be accessed for free.

CyMAL (Museums Archives and Libraries Wales) is managing a programme called '@ Your Library' which aims to improve and increase library facilities in Wales. Some of the aims of the programme include:

• To develop and promote online resources in libraries in both Welsh and English
• To maintain free access to resources
• To develop services for users with individual access needs

Writing

Writing allows you to express yourself and be creative because you can write about anything you want. You can write any style of literature you like - including poems, stories and plays

Literary Festivals

If you are keen on literature, then you may enjoy a literary festival. Literary festivals are a celebration of books and literature. A festival will usually include performances by authors reading from their novels, the chance to meet authors, workshops and lots of books to buy.

One of the most famous literary festivals is held every year at Hay on Wye in Wales. There are others all around the country that you can attend.