Bookshop boost in bid to inspire love for reading

An independent Glossop bookshop is celebrating after being awarded a prestigious national grant aimed at inspiring more children to discover a love of reading.

Dark Peak Books & Gifts on the High Street has received a Penguin Children’s Bookshop Grant as part of the publisher's commitment to the National Year of Reading 2026. In total, 44 independent bookshops received funding to support the delivery of initiatives aimed at igniting and fostering a love of reading amongst young people.  

The award will help fund a series of free after-school book clubs for Year 5 and 6 pupils, due to launch in September 2026. Organisers say the project will focus particularly on children who have fallen out of reading for pleasure, boys, and youngsters who may not otherwise have access to high-quality books. 

The sessions will include guided discussions and shared reading experiences designed to encourage children to enjoy books in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Parents will also be encouraged to get involved, either by attending sessions or reading the same books as their children at home, helping to strengthen engagement with reading beyond the classroom. 

To ensure the clubs are accessible to everyone, children attending will receive free books and snacks, removing financial barriers that could prevent participation. 

Announcing the news, owner Melanie O’Brien said: “Thank you so much to Penguin for accepting our bid - we can’t wait to get started on this!” 

The grant is expected to provide a major boost to literacy and reading for pleasure within the local community, while also highlighting the important role independent bookshops can play in supporting young readers.