Local book hunt aims to keep children reading this summer

An Independent Partner with Usborne Books is launching a community book hunt across parks and villages in the Tameside area this summer.

The summer-long effort is designed to celebrate the National Year of Reading 2026 and encourage children to continue reading during the school holidays.

Working with schools and nurseries across Tameside, Helena Broadbent of Edge Lane Books, is passionate about fostering a love of reading from an early age and is supporting the nationwide campaign through a range of literacy initiatives.

Throughout the summer, families will be able to discover hidden book packs in Hyde Park, Cheethams Park, and other locations across Mottram and Broadbottom. The free, family-friendly activity invites children and their families to search for specially prepared waterproof book wallets hidden around local parks and green spaces.

Each book pack contains a book, a bookmark, and an activity sheet, providing an exciting opportunity for children of all ages to enjoy reading over the summer. Families who find a pack can take it home, enjoy the contents, and either keep the book or rehide it for another child to discover.

Helena Broadbent said: “As an Independent Partner for Usborne Books, I work with local schools and nurseries around Tameside to encourage a love of reading from an early age. This year is the National Year of Reading, and I am doing as much as possible to support the campaign. The book hunt is a fun way to keep children engaged with books during the summer holidays while bringing families together in our local parks and communities.”

The initiative has been supported by local businesses, which are sponsoring book packs to help make the project possible. Sponsorship costs as little as £2-per-pack.

Broadbent added: “The book hunt encourages children to continue reading over the summer whilst celebrating the National Year of Reading. Every sponsored pack helps put a book into a child's hands and supports literacy within our community. If any local businesses are able to sponsor a pack or two, I would be delighted to hear from them.”

Residents are encouraged to keep an eye out for hidden book packs in parks across the borough during the school holidays. The first books will be hidden on the week commencing August 5th, 2026.