HOPES are high that a new library space for a Cockenzie youth charity will encourage reluctant readers.

Heavy Sound, a youth organisation which works with some of the most vulnerable and disadvantaged young people across Edinburgh and the Lothians, has been gifted 124 graphic novels for the new project.

The charity aims to change lives by improving the health and wellbeing of young people by teaching them new skills in music, biking and sport, alongside educational programmes.

Young people who attend Heavy Sound will have access to the graphic novels, which are often used as a ‘stepping stone’ to help reluctant readers.

The library is part of the charity’s learning space in the premises, located in suite 18 of the Cockenzie Hub.

Linda Bendle, CEO of Heavy Sound, said: “Most of the people we work with have literacy challenges.

“We recognise the barriers this causes throughout their lives, and therefore aim to inspire and support them to become readers and writers.”

Heavy Sound was selected to host the library by American literary charity Judith’s Reading Room, which aims to enrich lives by providing books to those that do not have easy access to them.

The new addition in East Lothian is the 107th  library opened by the charity since it was founded in memory of librarian Judith F. Krug in 2010.

A Total of 124 ‘must-have’ teenage graphic novels were selected by Scottish Book Trust and then purchased by Judith’s Reading Room.

Linda added: “At the moment it is for attendees of Heavy Sound but hopefully we’ll be able to open it up to the wider community as well in due course – watch this space.”