Newquay bookshop secures funding for free summer holiday reading events

A Newquay bookshop has secured funding to run a series of free children's events in partnership with the town's library during the summer holidays.

Independent bookshop Clemo Books is one of 44 bookshops across the UK to receive a Penguin Children's Bookshop Grant, which aims to encourage more children and young people to enjoy reading.

Working alongside Newquay Library, the grant will fund a programme of free author-led events and activities for children aged between four and 16.

Jaimie, owner of Clemo Books, said: "We are overjoyed to be recipients of the Penguin Children's Bookshop Grant and know it will provide lots of children and young people in Newquay with access to creative opportunities and help foster positive reading habits."

The events will take place at venues across Newquay, including Newquay Library, and are intended to make creative activities accessible to families during the school holidays.

Joanne Carter, Library Manager at Newquay Library, said: "We're delighted to be working in partnership with Clemo Books on this exciting project. By bringing together the strengths of both the library and an independent bookshop, we're creating more opportunities for children and young people to discover the joy of reading.

"We're especially pleased to be able to offer free, engaging events for families over the summer holidays."

The Penguin Children's Bookshop Grant was created in response to reading for pleasure among children and young people falling to its lowest level in 20 years.

It forms part of Penguin's support for the UK Government's National Year of Reading 2026, which aims to reverse the decline in reading for pleasure.

Clemo Books and Newquay Library say they are now planning the programme and hope to announce the line-up of free summer events in July.