What is the Federation?

The Federation is a national, voluntary organisation concerned with children and their books. Our aim is to promote enjoyment and interest in children's books and reading, and to encourage the availability of a range of literature for all ages, from pre-school to teenage. The Federation liaises with schools, playgroups, publishers, libraries and other official bodies. We provide a meeting point for parents, professionals and everyone who shares our aim.

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How did the Federation begin?

The idea of a parents' organisation that would promote enthusiasm for and about children's books began in 1965 when Anne Wood set up the first Book Group.  Anne later founded Ragdoll Productions known for its award-winning Teletubbies  and In the Night Garden  children's programmes.  By 1968 more groups were established and the Federation of Children's Book Groups was created, linking these groups across the British Isles. In 2008 the Federation celebrated its 40th birthday. There are still many founding groups in existence. There are also new groups developing and a significant number of Individual and Professional Federation members.

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What do local Book Groups do?

Each Group is different, but in most you will find some of the following activities:

• Meetings for adults to discuss books and children's reading.
• Visiting speakers such as authors, illustrators, book editors, publishers, librarians and educationalists.
• A Group newsletter with news of book and group activities.
• Events for children - storytelling, meet-an-author, competitions, expeditions, parties, picnics etc.
• Book exhibitions and informal sales.

If you would like to find out if there is a Book Group in your local area then turn to the "Book Groups" page where they are all listed.

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What else does a Group do?

Through its many activities a Children's Book Group can become an important part in its particular community. Group activities will vary according to local need and local resources, may include:

• Sharing books with schools, playgroups, nurseries and hospitals.
• Organising larger events, such as book days, book weeks, book festivals, etc..
• Giving talks to any group or organisation that asks.
• Story reading during holidays at playschemes, libraries, playgrounds.
• Setting up Family Reading Groups.
• Working for increased availability of a wide range of books in schools, libraries and the community generally, and opposing any cuts in such provision.

If you would like to find out if there is a Book Group in your local area then turn to the "Book Groups" page where they are all listed.

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What does the Federation do nationally?

It provides lots of opportunities for children to have fun with books, and:

• Organises, annually, The Red House Children's Book Award - The National Award based entirely on the votes of young readers!
• Promotes National Share-a-Story Month during May - a month linking events and activities across the country that celebrate the power of story.
• With the help of local Book Groups, holds a weekend Conference each Spring, together with various One-day Regional Conferences across the country.
• Maintains a Central Office to coordinate its membership and serve as a contact address.
• Publishes anthologies, book lists and other information leaflets.
• Circulates a Federation Newsletter.
• Gives support, encouragement and practical help to its groups, and promotes the establishment of new groups.
• Provides advice and information generally.

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Membership Information

If you are unable to make contact with a local Book Group then you can join the national organisation, either as an Individual Member or a Professional Member.
Individual Members and Professional Members receive, from the National Secretary, all Federation publications, including:-

• 3 issues of the Federation Newsletter each year,
• The annual Red House Children's Book Award "Pick of the Year" Top Fifty booklists,
• Copies of all booklists produced by the Federation,
• Information about National Share-a-Story Month,
• Information about all conferences, events and activities, Plus 3 issues of "Carousel" each year - the only magazine for parents about children's books.

Membership normally runs for the calendar year.

Individual Membership
This type of membership is for private individuals who are unable to join a local Book Group, but who are interested in children's books and wish to keep in touch.
For details of annual Individual Membership fees please contact us.

Professional Membership
This type of membership is for organisations within the world of children's books such as libraries, schools, bookshops, publishers, agencies, etc. The mailings will be sent to a named contact but all members of that particular organisation will receive the benefits of being members of the Federation.
For details of annual Individual Membership fees please contact us.

If you would like further details about the Federation of Children's Book Groups, or you would like to join, please contact the National Secretary,

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The Federation of Children's Book Groups
2 Bridge Wood View
Horsforth
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS18 5PE

t: 0113 2588910

e: info@fcbg.org.uk