Through a huge-scale public event, published anthology of short stories written for and by the young people of the city and a fundraiser we are aiming to promote and encourage reading across the city so we can address poor literacy levels.
There is a passion so fierce in reading it can take you into another world. It opens doors creatively and educationally, and we believe literacy in all forms should not be a privilege but a right.
It's heartbreaking to contemplate that this simple pleasure is being denied from some people whether it is due to economic or social circumstances through to simple disinterest.
We hope this campaign will touch the hearts of the Wakefield community, and will make a difference to people's attitudes.
Together we can strive for a future for people not hindered by low reading levels, but can pass on these treasures in years to come.
The Rt Rev Stephen Platten, Bishop of Wakefield, said: "People often say education is the gateway to opportunity. If that is true then reading is the key that unlocks that gate. If we were lucky our parents would have read to us as children.
"Not every household will be encouraging so we need to find other ways to interest the young in books. The Express campaign is an outstanding example of how to do this. Reading. It is the beginning of a new world - imagine."