Reading

One Million Reads aimed to count 1,000,000 reads across the city in a single year. A ‘read’ was any published story, poem, or article, either read or heard.

One Million Reads also brought a programme of exciting literary and cultural projects to library users and communities across the city. Read more about each of these projects below.

On 25 May 2021, Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall launched One Million Reads during a visit to Coventry's Central Library.

Throughout the year, lots of events and activities took place in libraries across Coventry - you can read all about these below.

Then, on 31 May 2022, the grand total of 1,262,798 reads was announced – Coventry had achieved above and beyond the goal!

The One Million Reads project has been supported by a grant from Arts Council England.

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust: magical early-years fun

Early-years activity days were brought to Tile Hill, Foleshill, Caludon, Stoke and Central Libraries by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Through storytelling, dance workshops, interactive performances and craft activities, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream and The Tempest came alive for the youngest of audiences.

The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust worked with Collar and Cuffs Company, Ascension Dance Company, dance and drama practitioner Sohan Kailey, and storyteller Pyn Stockman.

Photographer-in-Residence: libraries through the lens

Coventry Libraries commissioned a professional photographer to capture the joy of reading across the city. Local photographer, Russell Whitehead, visited libraries in Coundon, Bell Green, Willenhall and Stoke Aldermoor, taking portraits of members of the public to reveal the positive impact reading can have.

Cllr Dr Kindy Sandhu, Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “We are certain to see the enjoyment that reading can bring to many of us, young and old, through Russell’s photography and how the power of storytelling can have such a strong impact on our wellbeing.”

You can now see the portraits by visiting any of the four libraries listed above, and asking to see their One Million Reads Photography Album.

Story Bench: tales from Coventry’s past

Coventry Libraries commissioned the creation of a bespoke Story Bench, carved with stories from Coventry’s real and mythic past. Stories were gathered from residents, community groups, and library users, and range from the fantastical to the familiar, arising from both ancient times and more recent history.

The Bench was carved by artist and craftsman Simon O’Rourke, and is now based in the garden at Tile Hill Library. The Bench features a hidden speaker: take a seat and hear the stories read aloud.

QR Code Trails: discover new reads

Five unique QR Code Trails can be found at Allesley Park, Caludon, Canley, Coundon, and Holbrooks Libraries. Each Trail of eight codes will offer you reading recommendations, e-audiobook snippets, and poems by Coventry’s Poet Laureate and Young Poet Laureate. By scanning each code you will also find questions to help you think about your own reading journey, and eight letters which when unscrambled, will spell a word and earn you a prize!

Perfect for families. Visit any of the five libraries listed above, and ask for your activity sheet to get started.

Small Bells Ring: the floating library

Small Bells Ring brought a floating library to Coventry Canal. During its time in the city, the narrowboat RV Furor Scribendi created a unique venue for people to browse, read, and chat. Readers were invited to step aboard to explore the huge collection of short stories, and Coventry Library staff held Storytimes on the boat and in canal-side spaces.

Small Bells Ring was a project delivered by several partners: Studio Morison, Super Slow Way, the Canal and River Trust, and Lancashire Libraries.

Reading Rooms: open up with a book

One Million Reads also brought Verbal’s Reading Rooms scheme to Coventry Libraries. Through twelve guided sessions held at Tile Hill, Bell Green, and Aldermoor Libraries, children were introduced to bibliotherapy: a way to encourage wellbeing through reading stories. Reading Rooms created safe, inclusive, and open spaces in libraries, where thoughts and feelings could be shared and discussed.