Interactive map to promote UK literature

A new interactive map being launched by the Guardian newspaper will help to pinpoint bookshops, author birthplaces and other literary landmarks to help increase the public's engagement with books and reading.

The map is being launched in conjunction with National Book Tokens and will identify every bookshop in the UK and Ireland, as well as key points of interest and events taking place, such as book festivals.

People organising the events will be able to upload information to the resource, while the Guardian will also produce a series of short films featuring locations and bookshops that form part of the country's literary heritage.

The map will be complemented by audio podcasts and editorial blogs, as well as social media updates and promotional activity for events.

Claire Armitstead, books editor for Guardian News and Media, told the Bookseller that bookshops are a 'vibrant part' of the literary landscape.

'We have big ambitions to make this the first port of call for any book lover looking to find a book, get expert advice, discover literary landmarks or share their own experiences of the very best bookshops around,' she added.