GLASGOW'S homeless community is to be gifted books in a bid to share the benefits of reading.

A special collection of books will be donated by Glasgow Libraries to people who don’t regularly read or own their own books, as part of The Reading Agency’s World Book Night campaign.

World Book Night will see more than 50 homeless people receive a specially printed title from Glasgow Libraries and Shelter Scotland.

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A further 25 books will be donated to HMP Barlinnie to support those newly in custody to engage with reading.

Andrew Olney, Head of Libraries and Communities at Glasgow Life, said: “Our libraries are so much more than rooms filled with books - they are a huge part of the community here in Glasgow.

“We know that confident reading is one of the most effective routes not only to a better life and improved opportunities, but also to improving your mental well-being.

Glasgow Times:

"No matter your circumstances, reading can open your mind up to a whole world of possibilities, giving you the chance to walk in someone else’s shoes for a while.

“When times are tough we all look for the opportunity to escape, and books provide the perfect vehicle to support this.

"Through outreach initiatives such as World Book Night we are able to ensure that the people of Glasgow, regardless of their situation, are able to take advantage of the power of a good book.”

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With the Homeless World Cup also coming to the city for the first time this summer, Glasgow Libraries hopes to create opportunities for members of the homeless community to reap the benefits of reading for pleasure.

Angela McLachlan, National Services Manager at Shelter Scotland, said: “Like libraries across the city, Shelter Scotland has been part of the local community for more than 40 years and we know that books and reading are a great way to educate and entertain.

“We are delighted to support Glasgow’s World Book Night which aims to broaden access to books for everyone - including some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Since its beginning in 2011, World Book Night has given books away to more than 2.25 million people across the UK and Ireland.

The sixth annual World Book Night, celebrated this Saturday on UNESCO international day of the book, sees a further 250,000 books given to people across the UK.

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This year’s line up of crime, poetry, non-fiction, Quick Reads, young adult, historical fiction, and fiction in translation books celebrates the enrichment that reading can bring to people's lives.

Curated to reach specific audiences with different attitudes or approaches to reading, including adults and young people dealing with mental health issues and vulnerable pregnant women and young mothers , the list for 2016 is made up of 15 books.

Big-name authors such as Matt Haig, Jonathan Coe and Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy make the list, as well as new names like Holly Bourne and the debut novel by now-bestselling crime author Sarah Hilary.

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