Blue Peter Book Club Live
Manchester Libraries, CBBC and The Reading Agency are excited to announce Blue Peter Book Club Live!
Blue Peter, the BBC’s iconic children’s television series, is partnering with Manchester Libraries and The Reading Agency on an exciting new initiative called Blue Peter Book Club Live. This ambitious project aims to inspire a love of reading and creativity in primary school-aged children across Greater Manchester and throughout the UK.
Blue Peter Book Club Live at Manchester Central Library Saturday 18th May.
Join the Blue Peter presenters Abby, Joel and Shini (and Henry the Dog!) for a day celebrating the love of reading. There’ll be guest authors, creative crafts, special story times, masses of books and a chance to meet some magical classic book characters!
Children’s Laureate Joseph Coelho and children’s author Eve Ainsworth will be chatting to the Blue Peter presenters about their fantastic books. We’ll ALSO be joined by George and Gyasi from CBeebies Bedtime Stories!
HERE’S THE PLAN FOR THE DAY!!
Blue Peter Badge Trail
The Blue Peter badge trail will also be launched at the event. Grab one of our special trail maps and take up the challenge to discover the massive Blue Peter badges on display in 12 different venues across Manchester.
Hunt for a Book Club Book!
Fancy getting your hands on a FREE copy of one of the Book Club books? We’ll be hiding them all over Manchester! We’ll also be holding a range of “Book Hunt” events over the summer in Manchester parks and open spaces.
Blue Peter Book Club Live across the UK
Libraries and schools will be able to participate in The Blue Peter Book Club Live using activity packs and reading resources developed by The Reading Agency to create a nationwide celebration.
The Blue Peter Book Club introduces young readers to new writing and encourage a love of reading. In partnership with The Reading Agency an expert panel of librarians, booksellers and children in library sessions, chose a list of Blue Peter Book Club recommended reads from awesome authors and fantastic illustrators.
The Blue Peter Book Club Live will have a major presence on broadcast and digital. A special episode Blue Peter Book club Live will be shown on CBBC and iPlayer, 5pm, Friday 24th May live from Media City UK with authors and local school children taking part. Working in collaboration with BBC Arts, Blue Peter will also produce book review content, animations, digital games and more to engage kids at home and in the classroom.
The Blue Peter Book Club Live will take place into Summer 2024 with a series of pop-up events at libraries and schools across the UK.
Sarah Muller, Senior Head of Commissioning 7+ said: “We’re thrilled to harness the power of the Blue
Peter brand to inspire children to read for pleasure. By meeting them in their communities through our
partnership with Manchester Libraries and The Reading Agency’s nationwide reach, we aim to make reading feel fun, accessible and relevant to all kids.”
Karen Napier MBE, CEO, The Reading Agency said : “This initiative is a wonderful opportunity to connect
families with the vital resources of their local libraries. The Blue Peter Book Club’s diverse and accessible
booklist, created with The Reading Agency, ensures that all children can see themselves represented and
participate.”
Neil MacInnes OBE, Manchester City Council’s Head of Service, Libraries, Galleries, Culture and Youth
said: “We are delighted to work alongside our partners to bring such an exciting reading event to the city.
We know that reading is a joyous experience and getting young Mancunians engaged, excited and inspired by books now is really important to us as it will engender a love of reading that continues to grow throughout their lives. And what better place to launch such a wonderful initiative as the much-loved and celebrated Manchester Central Library.”
Darren Henley, Chief Executive, Arts Council England said: “Enabling children and young people to enjoy
creative and culture experiences is a priority for the Arts Council and The Blue Peter Book Club Live is a great opportunity for them to discover the joy of reading in their local community. I’m pleased that we are supporting the project through our National Lottery Project Grants programme to fund some exciting
activities for families across Manchester and I’m really looking forward to attending the celebration event at Manchester Central Library.”
The Blue Peter Book Club Live is supported through funding from Arts Council England’s Project Grants.
