City residents should not be averse to poetry campaign

Published on Thursday 26 November 2009 08:37

POETRY fever is set to hit Edinburgh next year, as residents are inspired to "carry a poem" with them as part of a city-wide reading campaign.

In February 2010, thousands of free Carry A Poem books and cards will be handed out as part of Edinburgh's fourth reading campaign.

The free book shows how Scots from all walks of life carry poems with them, and reveals the stories behind the poetry choices.

The book will be distributed all across the city, through arts and leisure centres, libraries, cafes, and primary and secondary schools.

Ali Bowden, director of the Edinburgh Unesco City of Literature Trust, said: "The One Book-One Edinburgh city-wide reading campaigns have been growing in strength and popularity year on year, and we are delighted to be joining forces with the Scottish Poetry Library and the city libraries this year to get everyone to make a personal connection to poetry, to really take a poem to heart."

Carry A Poem will run in Edinburgh throughout February and full details of the events and activities supporting the reading campaign will be released early in the New Year.