Brand new books featuring titles that have made successful television and film adaptations will soon be joining the shelves at Jersey Library.
A collaboration between Netflix and the British Library will see original books inspiring the streaming-giants content donated to libraries across the UK.
Ed Jewell, chief librarian at Jersey Library, said he was looking forward to the books arriving, “because anything that gets more books into the library and people reading is very welcome”.
A total of 20 books will line a shelf with accompanying signage. Titles from classics like Frankenstein and Pride & Prejudice to contemporary hits like One Day and Heartstopper will be available to check out.
Across younger people, reading rates have declined. A recent survey of primary- and secondary-school children found that there was a “cause for concern” around children’s apparent “ambivalence” toward reading.
Adaptations offer a unique access-point to literature as the familiar stories they have enjoyed on the television can be enjoyed through reading. Following Netflix’s adaptation of David Nicholls’ One Day, for example, sales of the novel jumped from 3,216 sold in the previous six months to 143,193 in the next.
Anne Mensah, vice-president of content at Netflix, said: “Every great adaptation starts with a great story.
“We’re incredibly proud to bring these stories to audiences around the world, but we also know the experience doesn’t have to end when the credits roll.
“We hope this initiative helps more people discover the books behind the shows and films they love, while supporting the brilliant public libraries that make reading accessible to everyone.”
Mr Jewell said that this initiative is part of a longer trend in trying to “make reading relevant to the broader culture.”
