To celebrate World Book Day’s 25 anniversary, we teamed up with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries to host a storyteller takeover of all six libraries!
Featuring a line-up of award-winning poets, actors and theatre-makers, families in Stoke visited their local library to take part in storytelling sessions and share in the joy of stories. Storytellers included:
- Alan Barratt: Stoke Library
- Dominic Berry: City Central Library
- Jenny Morgan: Tunstall Library
- Sophie Hatfield: Bentilee Library
- Naomi Felton-Hunt: Meir Library
- Pyn Stockman: Longton Library
One parent informed the team: “My daughter didn’t do much for World Book Day in school and it’s been fantastic to be able to enjoy celebrating as a family.”
Another parent said: “My little boy is really shy and would never be brave enough to volunteer for anything, but he actually joined her at the front. It has really made my day!”
Children also received a free activity pack along with a World Book Day Book of their choice take home and keep, kindly gifted by World Book Day, as part of their partnership with the National Literacy Trust. During the afternoon families could also enjoy a free World Book Day themed craft session in four of the six libraries. Almost 300 people attended the sessions across the six libraries, with several families signing up as library members since the events took place.
“I was really touched that so many families came and there was such a wide age range enjoying my story. It was so lovely to see older children here really enjoying the story with so much enthusiasm. Everyone was so friendly and welcoming. I am a very happy storyteller right now. It was such a special moment and I feel privileged to have been part of it.”
Pyn Stockman, Storyteller
Overall, the festival was a really positive experience for both customers and staff. It has helped to cement the partnership between Stoke Reads and Stoke-on-Trent Libraries, giving families the ability to engage with inspirational stories and helping to develop a life-long love of stories and reading through new library memberships. We would like to thank World Book Day and the Arts Council for their support.
