Families had the chance to take home free books at Stockton’s
highly anticipated Christmas lights switch on last week, thanks to the Read North East campaign.
The book giveaway at Stockton Sparkles on Thursday 30 November was the
latest in a series of exciting Read North East events taking place in the region
over the coming year. Volunteers from the National Literacy Trust and the
Stockton Libraries Service gave out hundreds
of books for children of all ages, which have been generously donated by
campaign partner Penguin Random House Children’s. Parents were also able to pick up tips on reading at home and information about upcoming events.
In October, almost 2,000 books were given away for free at the intu Metrocentre
in Gateshead, where children also enjoyed storytelling and a visit from Peppa
Pig. As part of the campaign, hundreds more books were also gifted to
Middlesbrough FC and Sunderland AFC football fans during the local derby at Middlesbrough’s
Riverside Stadium last month.
Jonathan Douglas, Director of the
National Literacy Trust said:
“We can’t wait to start the Christmas celebrations at our next Read North East book giveaway at the popular Stockton Sparkles event. Sharing stories for just 10 minutes every day is enough to make a difference to a child’s literacy skills. The festive period is a fantastic time to get into the habit of reading regularly and enjoy extra special story time.”