2023 saw over 6000 people, 3,343 books gifted to children, 334 new library sign ups and we’re still counting the results from this year’s successful Tales in the Park events across the six towns.
The story so far…
Families joined us as we partnered with Stoke-on-Trent Libraries over the summer holidays for the storytelling festival spanning from 30th July through to August 16th.
Did we come to a park near you?
Tunstall Park, Tuesday 30 July
Longton Park, Friday 2 August
Yeaman Street Rec, Tuesday 6 August
Burslem Park, Friday 9 August
Fenton Park, Tuesday 13 August
Hanley Park, Friday 16 August
Circus In A Box set the stage for the day with their circus skills, whilst storytellers Gav Cross, Alan Barrett and Sophia Hatfield all managed to keep their audiences entertained with their unique story telling sessions.
With face painting, pop-up sports and crafts all aimed at encouraging families to develop a love of reading, the events throughout July and August have proved a great success.
As all fairy tales should end – with thanks to HarperCollins; children attending each of the six tales in the park events were gifted a free book to take home and enjoy after the event had ended.
Helping to raise literacy levels in Stoke-on-Trent
National Literacy Trust Hubs consist of frontline teams who aim to bring together local partners across the city to empower parents to support their children’s literacy development.
Getting families in Stoke excited about reading and sharing stories through engaging community initiatives like Tales in the Park is just one of the fun family activities that are aimed at families locally here in Stoke-on-Trent.
Discover more fun things to do here – https://literacytrust.org.uk/communities/stoke/families/
Two Literacy Champions from Stoke recently had the opportunity to meet Her Majesty The Queen at the Trust’s 30th Birthday reception at Clarence House.
Luo Chen He, 13, Hanley, Stoke
Volunteering as a Youth Literacy Champion, Luo Chen He has enabled creative writing to become a hobby at his school and he has inspired his fellow students to believe that telling their unique story, with confidence, really can make a difference.
Jayden Lowndes,10, Little Chell, Stoke
As a young child, Jayden was a reluctant reader until his mum, Caroline started volunteering and book gifting for the National Literacy Trust in Stoke. Inspired by these books, he began to take an interest in their stories and is now an avid reader. Jayden now runs his own community book trolley at his school.
We are fortunate to have young people like Luo Chen He and Jayden Lowndes in our community, as their passion and dedication set a positive example for others and demonstrate the impact individuals can have.
Whilst looking back over the last 30 years Joanna Prior, Chair of the National Literacy Trust reflects on the on-going mission of The National Literacy Trust:
| “The mission of The National Literacy Trust – to empower children, young people and adults with the literacy skills they need to succeed – is more critical now than ever. The UK’s poorest communities are being hit the hardest by a growing cost-of-living crisis, with 1 in 12 children and young people saying they do not own a book of their own at home. As we celebrate this milestone today, The National Literacy Trust renews its commitment to tackle inequality and drive social mobility, to ensure that every person has the literacy skills they need to thrive as individuals, within their communities and as a nation.” |
To read more on the impact of Literacy Champions click here – https://literacytrust.org.uk/news/a-royal-celebration-to-mark-30-years/
