BRADFORD Libraries have been given a boost of almost £75,000 to help people with special educational needs get more involved in literature.

Arts Council England awarded Bradford Council’s Library Service the £74,692 from the Libraries Opportunities for Everyone Innovation Fund.

It will see the council work with Purple Patch Arts to develop a programme to engage children and adults with special educational needs and disabilities in ‘immersive’ approaches to literature, including “sensory and immersive adaptations” of well-known pieces.

Library staff and volunteers will be trained in how to use the kits and will develop creative workshops to be delivered alongside them.

Coun Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Sport and Culture, said: “We are delighted that we have been awarded this funding. It’s fantastic news and I am so proud of everyone for the work that went into this application. This project will help both children and adults with disabilities to be able to access libraries across the district and allow people with disabilities to develop a love of literature and learning through sensory and immersive adaptations of well-known pieces of literature.”

Sarah Maxfield, Area Director North at Arts Council England, said: “The Arts Council is the national development agency for libraries in England and we’re delighted to be investing over £1 million in libraries across the North through our Libraries Opportunities for Everyone Innovation fund. This programme has given us a fantastic opportunity to support new activities in libraries and to reach people who might not normally use their local library service."