Students set York residents up on ‘blind dates’ with books

York St John students have been setting up ‘blind dates’ between books and York residents and visitors this week, by handing out free books in York city centre as part of the York Literature Festival.

The students have been given a unique insight into the world of literature thanks to a partnership between the University and York Literature Festival, an annual event that is celebrating the written word with a blend of comedy, poetry, music, workshops and readings, in a variety of venues throughout the city between 19 and 24 March 2013.

The group of English Literature students, Emma-Victoria Harris, Lucy Barnard and Ava Wright, are very involved in the festival, having been selected for a work placement opportunity. The group have been working closely with the festival director, Miles Salter, to help staff events and promote the festival as part of a work-based module ‘Working With Words’ which aims to enhance employability in York St John University literature students.

Commenting on their experience so far Emma said: “We are all enjoying working with Miles on the festival, and have already learned some useful new skills. We have particularly appreciated having the freedom to be creative with our ideas.” Ava added: “One of the ways we’re helping promote the festival is by handing out books, which have been donated by our lecturers, to the public in York city centre. We’re hoping that people will be encouraged to read books that they might not have chosen themselves, a bit like going on a blind date with a book.” Lucy added: “We all love literature, so it’s great to be able to share our passion while getting an insight into how a literature festival is organised from beginning to end. We’re really looking forward to meeting all the authors and hope to get some tips that will help us with our own writing.”

York St John University is the main sponsor of this year’s festival and will be hosting several events, giving students the chance to meet and learn from some well-known writers on campus, including journalist and novelist Will Self and Yorkshire poet, author and broadcaster Simon Armitage.

Miles Salter, who is currently studying for an M.A. in Creative Writing at York St John University, said: 'The festival relies on local support and York St John has been very generous this year in sponsorship and sharing facilities. I hope we can work with them more in the future. The students have been keen to be involved and have helped with publicity, selling tickets and staffing events.'