READERS are encouraged to get involved in the action surrounding a prestigious UK book award.

Ten of Dorset’s libraries have been selected to promote the Orange Prize for Fiction.

The sites, which include Littlemoor in Weymouth, Portland Tophill, Charmouth and Wool, will have prominent book displays made up of books highlighting authors of this year’s shortlisted titles, and also authors shortlisted for the prize in previous years.

Dorset readers can now vote online for their favourite book through the library’s website at dorsetforyou.com/libraries The Orange Prize was launched in 1996 to celebrate excellence and accessibility in women’s fiction writing. The successful author will be announced on June 8 at a ceremony in London.

Library service manager at Dorset County Council Tracy Long said: “We are pleased to have been selected as one of the UK library authorities to take part in this year’s Orange Prize promotion which aims to inspire people to widen their reading and try something new.

“We hope that as many readers as possible will come along to one of the participating libraries and try at least one or two books from the shortlist.”

She added: “Verwood library will host a discussion evening on June 3 at 7pm, and Wimborne library on June 6 at 7.30pm.”