Tolkien Reading Day was set up to encourage people to get together and explore some of Tolkien’s stories at school, university, in reading groups, or as a family; the theme for 2011 is “Tolkien’s Trees”.
This year’s theme, “Tolkien’s Trees”, is allied with the “International Year of Forests” and encourages families and library reading groups to enjoy exploring the dark confines of Tolkien’s many forests as well as focusing on individual trees.
Readers might venture into Mirkwood in “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings”; into the Old Forest on the borders of the Shire, and the Golden Wood of Lothlorien, or meet the Ents of Fangorn. Or why not read about and discuss the importance of trees and their meanings in “Leaf By Niggle”, or the ‘Two Trees’ beloved of the Elves in “The Silmarillion”, where there are more great forests and woods to discover.
If reading time is short, then the malice of Old Man Willow, or the symbolism of White Tree of Gondor offer plenty to think about and discuss.
Ideas for exploring Tolkien’s books together are available online www.tolkiensociety.org/ed/tolkienreadingday.html
J.R.R. Tolkien’s books appeal to all ages and readers worldwide find pleasure, entertainment and deep significance in his work. Reading together is fun, for both children and adults, and reading on a theme stimulates good conversation and vocabulary development. There is much more to Tolkien than “The Lord of the Rings” though as the list above shows.
Families or library reading groups can enjoy these stories and poems or for the younger readers there are the travels and travails of the dog “Roverandom”.
Schools & libraries can contact the Society for education packs, bookmarks and posters.
Members of the public, libraries, or reading groups wishing to hold an event near to rather than on the 25th can contact the Society for free posters to help with publicising their event.
e-mail publicity AT tolkiensociety DOT org
Launched in 2003 the reading day event has sparked interest in reading and reading groups across several nations and ages, from primary schoolchildren to university students and library users of all ages. This release is thus being circulated to the media, educational press and county library services.
25th March has significance to Tolkien’s readers, as it is the day of the Downfall of Sauron at the conclusion of the ‘War of the Ring’ in “The Lord of the Rings.”
