The purpose of Off the Shelf is to maintain young peoples' reading enthusiasm. We aim to provide a stimulating reading list to encourage debate about reading and the varied responses a book can provoke. It is also intended to help sixth form students make a successful transition to adult reading. In 2004 we were pleased that the poet, Owen Sheers, joined us to discuss his writing as part of the discussion event. The ready made shortlist is an effective means of alerting young people to a variety of authors and formats and it allows students to explore the breadth of reading available. We provide a support pack to help you organize events in school.
Sixth Form Students are expected to read the shortlist and attend a discussion event at Schools Library Service, where they will introduce one book and participate in the group discussion of the shortlist.
Owen Sheers' poetry has already won numerous awards and his impressive debut collection The Blue Collection, attracted high praise: "a poet of promise whom we are sure to hear much of in the future." Dannie Abse.

Schools Library Service, New Barnfield, Travellers Lane, Hatfield. AL10 8XG
Tel: 01707 281630 Fax: 01707 281611
E-mail: info@herts-sls.org.uk