BookBenches pop up across Stoke to celebrate a love of reading

Teachers, pupils and community groups in Stoke-on-Trent are inspired by comic books, fairy tales and novels to decorate 20 BookBenches.

See them around Stoke-on-Trent in locations such as the Emma Bridgewater factory, Potteries Museum & Art Gallery and the Moorcroft Heritage Visitor Centre until 30 June. Find lots of fun activities taking place around the benches too, including crafts, storytelling and pottery.

Inspired designs

The BookBenches have all been painted by local schools and groups. Designs include:

• ‘Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix’, created by students at the Discovery Academy England Primary School – the students voted on their favourite book from the much-loved Harry Potter series
• ‘We’re Going on a Book Hunt’, created by pupils at Saint Nathaniel’s Academy – the whole school created a twist on We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by each recreating the cover of their favourite book
• ‘Character Comic Capers’, created by pupils at St John’s CE ( C ) Primary School – pupils chose their favourite book characters and drew them in the style of a graphic novel
• ‘Once Upon a Time’, created by pupils at Glebe Academy – pupils and staff took inspiration from their favourite fairytales

National Literacy Trust

The initiative is part of National Literacy Trust’s Stoke Reads campaign that aims to spark a love of reading. Pick up your trail and activities map from participating venues, Stoke-on-Trent libraries or download to print at home. Just remember to check the opening times of venues before making a special visit.

At the end of the display, the benches are returned to the schools and community groups. The BookBenches will become a lasting feature of a library, book corner or outside learning environment.