Where Stories Live: Seven Stories, the Home of Children's Books

In a converted warehouse in Newcastle, a wonderful institution celebrates the magic of children's books and the joy of reading. Seven Stories, the National Centre for Children's Books, is a unique and treasured place, dedicated to celebrating, preserving and sharing the rich heritage of children's literature. A magical destination for families and an important national institution, it is a source of great pride for the region and a delight for children and book lovers of all ages.

A National Treasure.

Seven Stories holds the distinction of being the national centre dedicated to children's books, a unique institution celebrating the literature that shapes the imaginations of the young. Established in Newcastle and opened to the public in the earlier years of this century, it has grown into an institution of national importance, recognised for its vital work in preserving and celebrating children's literature. That such a significant national institution should be located in the North East is a source of considerable pride for the region, and it reflects the area's strong cultural credentials. Seven Stories is a jewel in the cultural crown of the region.

Preserving a Heritage.

One of the most important functions of Seven Stories is the preservation of the heritage of children's literature. The centre holds a remarkable collection, including original manuscripts, artwork and other materials from many beloved children's authors and illustrators, safeguarding this precious heritage for future generations. This work of preservation is of great cultural value, ensuring that the creative legacy of children's literature is protected and made available for study and appreciation. The collection is a treasure trove of literary and artistic heritage, and its preservation is one of the centre's most significant contributions to the cultural life of the nation.

A Magical Destination.

For families, Seven Stories is above all a magical destination, a place where the world of children's books comes alive. The centre offers wonderful exhibitions, activities and events that bring stories and their characters to life, immersing children in the magic of books and reading. With its imaginative spaces, its engaging displays and its programme of events, it provides a delightful experience for young visitors and their families, sparking the imagination and fostering a love of reading. The centre is designed to enchant and inspire, making it a favourite destination for families seeking a magical and enriching day out.

Inspiring a Love of Reading.

At the heart of the work of Seven Stories is the desire to inspire a love of reading in children. Through its exhibitions, activities and events, the centre seeks to bring children and books together, to show young people the joy and the magic of stories, and to encourage the reading habit that will enrich their lives. This mission is of great importance, for the love of reading is one of the most valuable gifts a child can receive, opening doors to knowledge, imagination and pleasure. Seven Stories does wonderful work in nurturing this love of reading, helping to shape young readers and to foster a lifelong appreciation of books.

Celebrating Creativity.

Seven Stories celebrates the creativity of the authors and illustrators who create children's books, honouring their artistry and bringing their work to a wider audience. The centre showcases the talent and imagination of those who write and illustrate for children, recognising the skill and creativity involved in producing the stories and pictures that delight young readers. This celebration of creativity is an important part of the centre's work, drawing attention to the artistry of children's literature and to the people who create it. By honouring these creators, Seven Stories enriches our appreciation of children's books and the talent behind them.

A Resource for All.

Beyond its appeal to families, Seven Stories serves as a valuable resource for a wide range of people, including students, researchers, teachers and all those with an interest in children's literature. The centre's collections and expertise make it an important resource for the study and appreciation of children's books, while its educational work supports teachers and schools in fostering reading and a love of literature. This broader role, serving scholars, educators and enthusiasts as well as families, reflects the depth and significance of the institution. Seven Stories is a resource of national value, contributing to the study, appreciation and promotion of children's literature.

A Place of Wonder.

Seven Stories is a place of wonder, a magical home for children's books that celebrates, preserves and shares the rich heritage of children's literature. As the national centre for children's books, located in Newcastle, it is an institution of national importance and a source of great pride for the region. It delights families, preserves a precious cultural heritage, inspires a love of reading and celebrates the creativity of children's authors and illustrators. For anyone who cherishes the magic of stories and the joy of reading, Seven Stories is a treasure, a wonderful celebration of the books that shape the imaginations and enrich the lives of the young.

The Lasting Power of Stories.

The work of Seven Stories reflects a profound truth about the importance of stories and reading in the lives of children and in the development of healthy, imaginative and literate human beings. The books we encounter as children have a power and an influence that lasts a lifetime, shaping our imaginations, expanding our horizons, developing our language and understanding, and instilling a love of reading that can enrich our entire lives.

The stories that children read or have read to them introduce them to new worlds and ideas, help them to understand themselves and others, develop their empathy and imagination, and lay the foundations for learning and literacy. The importance of children's literature, far from being a trivial or merely entertaining matter, is therefore profound, with consequences for the intellectual, emotional and imaginative development of the young.

By celebrating, preserving and promoting children's books, Seven Stories champions something of genuine and lasting importance, recognising the vital role that stories and reading play in the lives of children. The centre's work in inspiring a love of reading is particularly valuable, for the gift of a love of reading is one of the most precious that a child can receive, opening doors to knowledge, imagination and pleasure that will remain open throughout their lives.

In an age of screens and digital distractions, the work of fostering a love of books and reading among children is more important than ever. Seven Stories, in celebrating the magic of children's books and inspiring young readers, performs a service of real and lasting value, honouring the enduring power of stories to shape and enrich the lives of the young.

We want to hear from you.

Seven Stories is the national home for children's books, celebrating the magic of reading.

What was the children's book that first sparked your love of reading?