Dads ‘N’ Lads
Dad ‘N’ Lads is a book promotion by Clare County Library whose aim is to encourage men and boys to read and to share their reading together. In these promotions, readers are provided with reviews of the relevant titles, ensuring a suitable and enjoyable read according to one’s choice. Each promotion has an average of twenty-five carefully selected titles. Multiple copies of these - in paperback generally - are displayed together in prominent position on tables, similar to supermarket policy for ‘special offers’ or bookshop display for lead titles/bargain books. This informal display is undoubtedly part of the success of the venture. Each promotion is circulated in turn - for a period of three months - to our branch library network, ensuring a continuous supply of fresh promotions. Once a promotion has “done the rounds” of our branch libraries, the books are released into the general system, and may then be reserved by library members.
Research has shown that families play a critical role in promoting male literacy, and the impact is especially powerful if the father is involved to help boys see reading as something that males do.
We would like to encourage fathers, step-fathers, grandfathers and uncles to become reading role models for older boys and teenagers by demonstrating that reading is important to them. This reading list ranging from the high-octane thriller of Andy McNabb through the black comedy of Ben Elton to the crime writing of Ian Rankin should provide something of interest to all. The intention of this leaflet is to introduce avid male readers to new authors and to rekindle a renewed interest in those who have got out of ‘the reading habit’ while using the ‘Lads’ section of the list to select books that will appeal to their sons and grandsons.
The Harry Potter phenomenon has proven that
boys will embrace books that tap into their interests and imagination;
now it is up to the adults in their lives to feed that potential.
By making reading a shared activity in the same way that TV viewing or
a game of football in the back garden is, fathers can play a major role
in ensuring that their sons develop what will hopefully become a lifelong
interest.
