Usher to encourage reading habit

Singer Usher has joined hands with a children's book publisher to launch a new reading initiative for youngsters.

Usher has collaborated with publishing house Scholastic on the 'Open a World of Possible' initiative, which encourages kids to embrace the joy of reading.

He will hold the live webcast from the company's headquarters in New York Nov 6 to urge others to talk about their book habits, reports contactmusic.com.

"I established New Look, a charitable organisation to assist young people to become leaders and to instil in them a belief that they can create change in their communities and around the world.

"I'm excited to host the webcast with Scholastic to demonstrate to kids how reading frequently, and being a reading mentor to their friends and others in their community, can open doors to endless possibilities," he said.

As part of the drive, officials at the publishing company will also donate 100,000 books to charities and NGOs.