Exeter Launches City-Wide Initiative to Find Favourite Book

The search is underway in Exeter to uncover the city’s most beloved book as a fresh initiative kicks off on World Book Day.

Over a millennium ago, the Exeter Book was meticulously transcribed by a solitary scribe in a city that revered the potency of written words.

Exeter is returning to its literary heritage in pursuit of discovering Exeter’s preferred book in its fifth year as a UNESCO-designated City of Literature.

The Exeter City of Literature organization has introduced City Reads, a city-wide campaign, to identify Exeter’s favorite fiction book.

Notable institutions like Exeter Chiefs, Exeter College, Exeter City Football Club Museum, and CoLab will nominate their top books, forming the shortlist for a public vote scheduled from June to September.

On International Literacy Day, falling on Sunday, 8 September, Exeter’s favorite book will be unveiled during a grand event featuring book giveaways and author readings.

In 2019, the city secured the prestigious UNESCO City of Literature title owing to its extensive history of literacy and reading spanning more than 1,000 years. With a well-frequented library and over 30 independent bookstores in Devon, Exeter truly embodies a city of book enthusiasts.

Established in 2021 to oversee the UNESCO designation, Exeter City of Literature aspires to honor Exeter as a haven for book lovers while enhancing book accessibility and fostering a love for reading throughout the city.

Prominent establishments and cherished community organizations in Exeter will engage their staff and affiliates in nominating their treasured fiction books throughout the spring, with these selections being shared on Exeter City of Literature’s social media platforms.

The public voting phase will commence at Exeter City of Literature’s fourth annual Book Market on Sunday, 9 June, featuring a dedicated voting booth.

Throughout the public voting period, voting stations will be set up across the city, along with online voting options. Exeter City of Literature and corporate sponsors will organize competitions, giveaways, and distribute free books to neighborhoods with lower literacy rates.

The public voting window will close on Friday, 2 August, culminating City Reads with a special event on Sunday, 8 September, International Literacy Day, to unveil Exeter’s favorite book.

Executive Director of Exeter City of Literature, Anna Cohn Orchard, expressed, “From the Exeter Book to Exeter’s favorite book, this city has always treasured reading. We want to celebrate that with a year of reading for pleasure, book giveaways, and light-hearted debate over what our favorite books are. We want City Reads to unite the city behind the joy of reading, no matter the book.”

Interim Director, Literature of Arts Council England, James Urquhart, stated, “We’re delighted to support Exeter UNESCO City of Literature in its quest to discover Exeter’s favorite book. Reading for pleasure is hugely valued by the Arts Council for all the joy, excitement, and empathy that great stories deliver as well as the boost that reading can give to mental well-being. It’s wonderful to see this vibrant program connecting people with books across the year and celebrating reading throughout the city and beyond.”