We are pleased to announce that our Connecting Stories campaign has launched in Nottingham. Connecting Stories is an Arts Council England-funded project addressing the literacy attainment gap across our 14 Hub areas and increases children and young people’s access to literary experiences and books in communities most in need of support.

What's happening?

The Nottingham campaign is supported by publishers Hachette UK and Usborne, who will both be donating books across Nottingham. Authors L.D. Lapinski, William Hussey, and Darren Simpson are also supporting the campaign by championing reading and creative writing in Nottingham

Children and young people in Nottingham recently took part in a creative writing competition. The winners have been announced! Visit the online exhibition - in partnership with Nottingham Castle and Nottingham City Libraries - to read the amazing work submitted, and take part in virtual workshops from authors Sue Cheung, Jeffrey Boayke, and Kate Wakeling.

This summer we're encouraging everyone to get outside and take a walk and talk through a trail of fun ideas and activities! Download the trail here and you could be in with a chance of winning a summer book bundle!

#Take10ToRead

On May 10th at 10am, we called on the people of Nottingham to Take 10 and read. Our research has shown us that reading can be an effective way of helping people take care of their mental health and wellbeing – and it only takes 10 minutes a day to see the benefits!

Over 1000 people from schools and businesses in Nottingham took part in the challenge. Children also enjoyed a virtual event with author Anthony Horowitz who encouraged children to follow their passions, and read every morning.

100,000 people across the UK took part in the challenge.

More community-driven activities related to the Connecting Stories campaign will be announced throughout the year.