North Northamptonshire Libraries awarded National Year of Reading microgrant

25 August 2026

North Northamptonshire Council have received funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of the National Year of Reading 2026. The funding will enable libraries across the area to deliver exciting reading-inspired experiences for local young people.

As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, The Reading Agency, in partnership with DCMS, is supporting 72 library authorities across the country with funding to help inspire a lifelong love of reading and reach new audiences.

North Northamptonshire Council Libraries will use the funding to offer a series of creative, interactive storytelling events for children and young people aged 10 to 16.

Using the grant, renowned performer Preacher the Storyteller will visit libraries across North Northamptonshire, bringing his unique blend of storytelling, imagination and audience participation to young people throughout the area. Sessions will take place at Kettering and Rushden libraries on Thursday 27 August, followed by events at Wellingborough, Oundle, Irthlingborough and Corby libraries during the October half-term holiday.

Young participants can look forward to "the game of all games, the quest of all quests" as they immerse themselves in imaginative adventures and help shape the stories around them in this fun and engaging interactive experience.

Libraries have always been at the heart of communities, providing free and welcoming spaces where everyone can access books, develop new skills, make connections and discover opportunities, regardless of their background. This grant will mean that we can hold a series of events in libraries across North Northants which will benefit our younger residents.Cllr Greg Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities

We’re delighted to support North Northamptonshire Libraries through the National Year of Reading microgrant programme. We want more young people to discover that reading can take many forms – it can be imaginative, interactive, social and fun. Bringing storytelling experiences like these into local libraries is a brilliant way to spark curiosity, reach young people who may not always see reading as something for them, and help build a lasting connection with stories and reading.Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency

The DCMS is happy to support North Northamptonshire Libraries through this funding in the National Year of Reading. This will enable young people in North Northamptonshire libraries to develop and share creative storytelling and reading skillsArts Minister, Ruth Mackenzie

The events are free to attend and are suitable for young people aged 10 to 16.

For further details on how to book, visit the participating libraries’ Facebook pages or pop into the library. The Kettering and Rushden events can be booked via Eventbrite.