Look for a Book scheme captures the hearts of thousands of Northwich residents

In less than three weeks the Northwich District Look for a Book scheme, launched by Dorothy Bell, from Winnington, and Kerry Parry, from Moulton, has grown wings and soared to success, prompting participants to discover, rekindle or further their love of reading.

In the three weeks since it launched more than 3,600 people have joined the Facebook group set up to promote the initiative, with pictures posted daily of excited youngsters finding and hiding books in parks, train stations, bus stops, leisure centres, residential streets and shopping areas.

Books have even been accompanying children on holidays, sparking identical schemes across the country.

Retired Barnton Infant School teacher Dorothy said: “It’s been absolutely delightful. We can’t believe the response that we've had. It’s rather overwhelming.

“I’m so pleased people have really taken it to their hearts – it’s such a lovely, positive thing that really seems to be capturing people’s imaginations.

“What I love is that not only is it encouraging a love of literature and promoting the magic of books, it's also helping children to get outside and explore."

She added: “One of the things that is lovely to observe is that the children seem to take as much pleasure in finding new places to hide them as they do in discovering them.”

Among the many comments posted in the group is a message from Kelli Newby who wrote: “Another reason we have decided to move from Northwich from Manchester.

“We shall be heading here soon, what a lovely amazing thing to do! How lovely to find a book. We have re-hidden. Thanks Northwich, you lovely people.”

Perhaps inevitably, as a retired teacher who loves literature Dorothy is keen to know whether the project has made a difference to children’s literacy.

She said: “With the imminent return to school I would be fascinated to find out whether this has helped with the children’s interest in reading. It would be wonderful to think it has helped improve their reading ability or broaden the range of books that they read.

“If any teachers have noticed a difference, we’d love to hear from them through our group.”

As to what happens next, Dorothy and Kerry are unsure yet whether to pause the scheme as the daylight hours reduce and relaunch in the spring, or encourage it to continue throughout the year.

Dorothy said: “I’ve spoken to my friend Jules Huck who started the idea up in Cumbria to ask what she’s planning to do. Perhaps we will see what the group thinks as it belongs to them as much as us.”

To get involved in the challenge search for the Northwich District Look for a Book Facebook page.