As part of the National Year of Reading, we are exploring the best places to read, which feed the imagination.
We all know that a visit to a library is a pre-requiste of childhood and school visits, in order to establish the immersion of the potential life-long reader into a world of books. My favourite outing as a child was a bookshop!
But in the current climate where tablets, phones and e-books are everywhere and an actual hardback or paperback book, is in danger of extinction, we need to be more creative in making reading and book spaces more appealing.
Even the local library has ‘upped’ its game with bright colours, window displays and bean bags in order to feel more approachable.
This blog will highlight some of the most inventive ways people have found to promote a fascination in reading and to ensure that the love of a good book never dies out.
Ways to encourage reading in unusual spaces with your children.
How amazing does this wall look?
Local initiatives:
It is obviously not unusual to see children reading in school, but it is always a pleasre to see children enjoying books when they perhaps aren’t expected to. And here at Bakewell CE Infant School,Bakewell CE Infants the pupils were taking every opportunity to cram in their reading time. They were making the most of the fine weather and I love this photo of two pupils tucked in reading. The school also has a beautiful storytelling chair, which I’m sure gets used a lot! Thank you to the school for sharing these with us and…
In Belper, there is a very miniature library called The Little Free Library.The Little Free Library
Local residents can pop in books which they are happy to pass on and can take one out to borrow. There are a range of books in here for all ages. The owner regularly refreshes the books and paints the door on themes, such as World Book Day and one which was themed on The Tiger who came to tea.
This mystery book shown here was left by myself, as part of my @givethegiftofwords hidden book drop I have been doing to promote my first published book. It was soon picked up!
Newly opened Doodle and Moo’ Play Village in De Bradelei Mill , Belper has created a cosy reading nook which is a calm space within the play village, perfect for winding down, sharing a story, or taking a quiet moment together. This was a last minute addition to the renovations and I think it will prove very popular and what a great way to promote the fun of reading. I was quite tempted to huddle down in there myself with a good book!
The books are left with a leaflet inside and are waterproofed against the inclement weather. There are books for children and teenagers as well as adults.
It would be lovely to have feedback about who has found the books and what they thought of this lovely community initiative.
Reading spaces further afield...
Discoverable only via a walk-through Eas Mor, at the Southerm tip of the Isle of Arran, the Library in the Woods is a gem of a hidden library knee deep in woodland.
Filled with thousands of handwritten notes dangling from the ceiling, covering the walls, this wooden hut is visited by travellers from all over the world, and has just been named the 17th best library in the world.
A small set of step ladders enables people to pin their notes to the roof, and four small school chairs have been placed by the table. Bookshelves line one wall, visitors can add and borrow books on a loan system. One visitor once left a first edition Harry Potter book! What a generous gift!
This wonderland of a library is certainly on my list to visit! By then, I guess the walls will be completely covered! Visit Scotland
Meet Betsy – the new book truck called The Wandering Chapter who is on the road from April 2026. We love the look of Besty and if this beauty on wheels doesn’t get people reading then what wiil? As stated on her website The Wandering Chapter
She’s pink.
She’s full of heart.
She believes in plot twists and happy endings.
Betsy isn’t just a book truck. She’s an invitation to slow down, to browse, to connect, and to remember why you love reading. She also loves a wedding, party or function if you fancy hiring her out!
Do you know of any other interesting reading spaces? Let us know about them and where they are!
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