Our Sharing Stories project, and the new community interest arm of our business will enable Sandwell children to develop a lifelong love of literature and reading through a programme of engaging, creative activities delivered in partnership with local practitioners, that will bring the magic of stories to those who experience more barriers to reading for pleasure.
We want to reach Sandwell children and their families, particularly those who experience barriers to reading for pleasure, creativity and the arts. We meet families every day in our bookshop, and know that people can feel excluded from arts and cultural activities. This project will bring together artists and creators with local families to help break down some of those barriers. We want to particularly reach those who may have low literacy levels and low incomes so that we can help to inspire them to experience the magic of books and all the benefits that reading can bring. We want to reach families who may not normally use an independent bookshop because of cost, and make sure that children have their own book to take home and enjoy.
Our Sharing Stories project is funded by Arts Council England. In 2024, we formed Sharing Stories CIC to develop this work further.
Between November 2023 and October 2024, our Sharing Stories project will deliver:
Your support and contributions will help us to do even more to encourage reading for pleasure in Sandwell and the West Midlands.