LIBRARIES in Gloucestershire want to encourage more people to pick up a book by asking them to take part in a frightful Stephen King Challenge.

Book publishers Hodder & Stoughton has launched the challenge and provided almost 100 copies of the best selling author’s fictional novels which are available at Hesters Way, Bishops Cleeve and Up Hatherley libraries.

The books on offer include Misery, Carrie, The Shining, Different Seasons, Under the Dome and The Wind Through the Keyhole.

Gloucestershire Libraries hope the challenge will inspire people to pick up a book and boost reading levels across the county.

If people are unable to travel to the Cheltenham libraries, the books can be placed on hold via the libraries online catalogue meaning books are available throughout Gloucestershire. The challenge is taking place until the end of March.

Cllr Andrew Gravells, cabinet member responsible for libraries, said: “This is a great opportunity for people to discover the work of Stephen King and also to find out more about what our county libraries have to offer.

“After the initial promotion the books will be shared around the county’s libraries and they are all available on our catalogue to order. The online reservations are free and people can collect the book from their local library.

“A new year provides a great opportunity to try a new genre and style of writing or maybe even join a reading group.”

For more information on Gloucestershire Libraries visit gloucestershire.gov.uk/libraries and the online catalogue can be found at capitadiscovery.co.uk/gloslibraries/