Shoreham launches new children's book club to boost reading

A new children’s book club has launched in Shoreham as Ropetackle Arts Centre and the town’s Chapter34 bookshop join forces to encourage reading among young people amid concerns over a national decline.

The partnership has run two trial events, the first earlier in November and the second scheduled for November 29 at the Ropetackle, featuring children’s authors Thomas Taylor and Kirsty Applebaum. The sessions include talks, audience engagement and book signings, with the aim of reaching children both within and beyond Shoreham. Chapter34’s children’s bookseller said the collaboration allows them to bring high-quality author events to a wider audience and showcase local literary talent.

Organisers say the initiative is a response to research showing a notable fall in reading for pleasure among children. If the test events prove successful, the book club may run monthly from February. The events are aimed at children aged eight to 12 and take place in the main auditorium.