Warwickshire Libraries has received funding “Congratulations Warwickshire Libraries" - Arts Minister Ruth Mackenzie CBEfrom the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part o...
Warwickshire Libraries has received funding “Congratulations Warwickshire Libraries" - Arts Minister Ruth Mackenzie CBEfrom the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) as part of the National Year of Reading 2026, bringing exciting new reading-inspired experiences to children and families across Nuneaton and Bedworth.
The funding, received through The Reading Agency's National Year of Reading 2026 microgrant programme, will enable Warwickshire Libraries to deliver Ready, Steady, Dance, a fun and engaging series of weekly sessions designed for children aged 2 to 5 and their parents or carers.
Delivered by acclaimed local dance-circus company Motionhouse, the free sessions combine storytelling, movement, play and imagination, encouraging young children to develop a love of books while building confidence, creativity and physical skills.
As part of the grant programme, sessions will take place at Nuneaton Library and Bedworth Library. Additional funding secured by Warwickshire Libraries has also enabled the programme to be extended to Rugby Library, ensuring even more families can benefit from the experience.
The National Year of Reading 2026 initiative is supporting 72 library authorities across the country to inspire a lifelong love of reading and help libraries engage new audiences.
The weekly sessions offer a welcoming and relaxed environment where children can explore stories through movement and play, while parents and carers have the opportunity to meet and connect with other local families.
Upcoming Sessions:
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Rugby Library: Mondays, 2pm to 2.45pm
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Nuneaton Library: Wednesdays, 10am to 10.45am
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Bedworth Library: Thursdays, 10am to 10.45am
All sessions are free to attend and can be booked here: Eventbrite.
Councillor Mike Bannister, Warwickshire County Council Portfolio Holder for Resources and Internal Affairs, said:
"We are delighted that Warwickshire Libraries has received funding as part of the National Year of Reading 2026, enabling us to bring these inspiring Ready, Steady, Dance sessions to families in Nuneaton and Bedworth. Following the success of similar funded sessions in Leamington and Whitnash, we're excited to expand the programme into the north of the county and, through additional local funding, extend the offer to Rugby as well."
"Reading opens doors to creativity, learning and opportunity, and these sessions are a fantastic way to introduce young children to books in a fun, interactive and memorable way. By combining storytelling with movement and play, we're helping families discover the joy of reading together while making the most of their local library."
Arts Minister, Ruth Mackenzie CBE, said:
“Congratulations Warwickshire Libraries for their great partnership with Motionhouse offering young people an exciting chance to develop their creative skills."