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Hear from expert speakers sharing the latest research on child development, literacy, and the lifelong impact of being read to.

Lauren Child

Award-winning children’s author and illustrator, creator of many much-loved characters including Charlie & Lola, Clarice Bean and Ruby Redfort. Lauren was the 10th Waterstones’ Children’s Laureate from 2017 to 2019 and was awarded a CBE for Services to Literature in 2020. She will be sharing her insights on the importance of reading in early years, reading rights and how to develop intrinsically motivated readers.

Professor Sam Wass

Child psychologist and neuroscientist who leads the Institute for the Science of Eary Years at the University of East London. Sam featured in Channel 4’s award-winning ‘The Secret Life of a 4 and 5 Year Olds series’ and will be discussing ‘The neuroscience of shared child-adult reading’ during early development.

Donna David

Children’s author and champion for libraries. Donna will be sharing her love of books and libraries, and her deeply held belief that there is a perfectly perfect story for everyone. Her forthcoming book, ‘The Awesomely Adventurous Librarians’ is dedicated to the wonderful libraries and librarians up and down the county who formed such a joyful part of her childhood.

BookTrust

The UK’s largest children’s reading charity. Learn about how BookTrust are getting children reading from their earliest days through their programmes, tools and resources to support Early Years professionals. Discover more about their Bookstart early years gifting programme and their involvement in the National Year of Reading 2026.

‘Top Tips - The Storytelling Takeaway’ led by storyteller Sal Tonge. Sal improvises with stories and songs to make meaning with listeners of all ages and abilities. She’ll encourage you to be a storytelling magpie and steal some great ideas and inspiration to bring your story sessions alive for all your learners.

‘The Power of Pictures’ with author and illustrator Thomas Docherty. Ever since he picked up an Asterix comic in his local library when he was a kid, Thomas has been fascinated by the way you can put words and pictures together to tell a story. He’ll share his insights into how pictures can insipe a love of stories and help children find their way into reading and writing for pleasure.

Join us for the Power of Libraries 2026 and be part of the movement to empower children through stories.

Book your place at the conference here at a special Early Bird rate of £50 per person

If your setting is based in Worcestershire, book here:  

If your setting is outside of the county of 91��Ƭ��book your tickets here:

Lunch and refreshments will be provided to all delegates.

There will be a Marketplace featuring speakers, partners, and library staff during the lunchtime period and at the end of the conference. This will provide valuable networking opportunities and a chance to learn more about the resources and support available to early years settings.

If you experience any problems when booking or have any queries:

• email: libraries@worcestershire.gov.uk 

Previous attendees have said:

“I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to hear about how libraries and reading levels the playing field for all and what opportunities for learning and collaboration there are at our local library services.” Dawn Higgins Olive Hill Primary Academy Assistant Head and English Lead

“The conference focussed on a perfect programme for me. Speakers were engaging and had practical ideas for implementation. I came away with a list of actions to make an immediate impact, and future ideas to re-energise the reading culture at our school, and to seek to link with our local libraries for mutual support.” Sam Bilke Grove Primary School English Co-ordinator