An independent bookshop in north Norfolk has secured national funding to run a new reading programme for children.
The Holt Bookshop has been awarded a grant from Penguin Random House UK as part of the Penguin Children’s Bookshop Grant 2026, a £150,000 scheme supporting 43 independent bookshops during the National Year of Reading.
The funding will launch R.E.X. – Read, Examine, eXplore – in partnership with the Holt Youth Project this autumn. The programme is aimed at children aged five to 11.
Pam Horrocks and Keith Britten, owners of The Holt Bookshop, said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this funding. Penguin Random House praised our application, saying it stood out as one that would have a genuine and meaningful impact on reading for pleasure among young people.
“As a small independent bookshop, we work hard to play an active role in our community, but a programme of this kind would not be possible without external support.
“Free activities are especially valuable for families. They support parents, help children discover the joy of books, and encourage a positive, lasting relationship with reading."
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Sessions will combine reading with creative activities. Children will choose books to read and discuss, before taking part in crafts, storytelling, performance and themed workshops linked to the material.
The scheme is designed to appeal to children who lack confidence with reading, as well as those who already enjoy books. Free books, merchandise and events will be included, with author visits planned.
Older members of the Holt Youth Project will act as mentors, helping younger participants build confidence.
“Our ambition is for R.E.X. to become a legacy project," Pam and Keith added. "This initial grant will act as a springboard, helping us build interest, attract sponsorship and develop long-term partnerships so the scheme can continue in future years.”
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Holt Youth Project will co-deliver the scheme. The charity, founded in 2004, provides support and activities for young people in the town.
Julie Alford BEM, founder of Holt Youth Project, said: “Holt Youth Project are thrilled to be partnering Holt Book Shop delivering an exciting programme for primary school children. This opportunity will give children a fresh approach to reading.
"Holding a book in their hands with its hidden adventures within the covers takes them on a journey enhancing and captivating their imagination through its characters and faraway places. Following on with art and crafts workshops will allow the children to create the story bringing it visually to life through their own imagination.
"In this world of technology, books are such a vital resource for us all to value and embrace, especially our children.”
This article has been published as part of Born & Read in Norfolk – a year-long initiative highlighting the importance of reading and writing, delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing, headline sponsor RWE and sponsor YouGarden.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 or get in touch at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
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