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A network of children?s reading groups in public libraries throughout the country is being planned thought the Orange Chatterbooks initiative which has been launched at St. Clare?s RC, Victoria Avenue and Crab Lane schools in Blackley.

They will meet once a month at Higher Blackley Library for reading groups supported by librarians who will encourage young people to talk about books and develop the confidence to express opinions about reading.

They will also have the opportunity to attend special events, such as meeting authors and illustrators.

Councillor Glynn Evans, Manchester City Council's Executive Member for Culture and Leisure said: " We are absolutely delighted that young people in Manchester will be able to benefit from Chatterbooks.

?This scheme will help them celebrate and enjoy the pleasures of books. Libraries are an essential part of our communities - and as an initiative which will encourage more use of our libraries, Chatterbooks is most welcome."

Chatterbooks is an Orange Prize for Fiction educational initiative co-ordinated across the UK by Launchpad, the children?s reader development agency. Manchester is one of three pilot authorities;

From January 2002 onwards the scheme will be rolled out across 50 towns and cities nationwide.