Books are being made available at a number of beaches to further promote the culture of reading.

In an initiative launched this morning by Parliamentary Secretary for Tourism Mario de Marco and the National Book Council, Dr de Marco said that a number of books were being made available at the Bugibba Perched Beach, St Paul’s Bay and Fond Ghadir for the public to read while relaxing. Users are expected to return the books before leaving.

Cabinets with around 50 books appealing to all ages and covering a variety of subjects are to be made available.

Dr de Marco urged the public to donate books they no longer needed.

He said that if the project is successful, the initiative would be extended to more beaches.

The parliamentary secretary also spoke about the work done on MTA beaches, including Ghadira, Golden Bay, St George’s, Qawra and the Bugibba perched beach. These included an increased number of beach supervisors, lifeguards, cleaning crews, waste separation facilities and special bins for cigarette butts. Upgrading was also being carried out at Fond Ghadir, Sliema and Fra Ben.

A number of educational and recreational activities were also being held over the summer, including for children.

Sergio Grech, from the NBC, said the initiative would help promote the concept of reading during recreation since many associated reading with something academic.