A stellar line-up of literary events spanning winter wellbeing workshops, deep reads and author talks, plus family-friendly February half term activities and workshops kicks off with a lively Burns Night C\u00e8ilidh<\/a> on Saturday 25 January, 7pm \u2013 11pm.\u00a0<\/p>\n This annual evening of dancing, poetry and a hearty Scottish stew is traditionally held in memory of one of Scotland\u2019s renowned storytellers, Robert Burns. The Mansion House sees the return of popular Liverpool band The Saltcutters, known for their rip-roaring traditional fiddle music from across Ireland and the UK.<\/p>\n Other highlights include the start of a new four-week Deep Read<\/a> featuring 2024\u2019s best-selling Booker Prize-winning novel Orbital by Samantha Harvey \u2013 following a day in the life of six astronauts on the International Space Station \u2013 every Wednesday from 21 January \u2013 11 February at 2pm.<\/p>\n Looking for a new hobby for the New Year? Thursday 22 January sees the launch of a new monthly Sip & Stitch Social<\/a> for anyone interesting in learning to crochet or knit or connect with fellow stitchers. This is the perfect casual space to learn, share tips, and unwind over a glass of wine. Absolute beginners welcome.<\/p>\n Any couples looking to tie-the-knot at the beautiful historic Mansion House are invited to meet The Reader\u2019s team of dedicated events planners, talented onsite chefs and selected suppliers at the charity\u2019s next Wedding Open Day<\/a>, Sunday 1 February, 11am \u2013 3pm.<\/p>\n Celebrating Valentine\u2019s (or Galentine\u2019s) season is the charity\u2019s first Blind Date with a Book<\/a> on Thursday 12 February, 6.30pm. A \u00a310 entry ticket includes a glass of fizz on arrival, snacks, nibbles, time to mingle with fellow book lovers and \u00a35 towards any book purchase on the night.\u00a0<\/p>\n Early booking is highly recommended for The Reader\u2019s popular February half-term Storybarn Holiday Club<\/a>, Monday 16 February \u2013 Friday 20 February. Each session is designed to be fun, playful and engaging, adapted to suit a range of ages between 5-10 years old.<\/p>\n A busy February half term of family-friendly events in Calderstones Park kicks off with a musical production of Goldilocks and the Three Bears,<\/a> especially for children under-10, by Liverpool\u2019s Bookworm Players on Monday 16 February, 11am and 2pm.<\/p>\n Young bookworms are invited to a Meet the Author event with Chant\u00e9 Timothy<\/a> (Daddy Do My Hair; Hey You!) on Friday 20 February, 1pm \u2013 3pm for a Q&A followed by a STEM-inspired workshop making slime based on her bright and bold full-colour graphic novel series Supa Nova.<\/p>\n Families can also join two cosy evenings of Bookshop Bedtime Stories<\/a> after-hours in The Reader Bookshop on Friday 30 January and Friday 27 February, 5.30pm \u20136.30pm. There\u2019ll be lots of comfy blankets and cushions to snuggle into and everyone will help to build their very own story together. Best suited for children aged 4\u20139-years-old. All children will receive a free babycino.<\/p>\n The charity\u2019s literary programme also includes a second Winter Wellbeing Workshop<\/a> on Saturday 21 February, 1pm \u2013 3.30pm is inspired by Hamnet, Maggie O\u2019Farrell\u2019s historical fiction following the cinema release of a new film adaptation starring Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal.<\/p>\n On the same weekend The Reader\u2019s Founder, Dr Jane Davis will explore the work of medieval English poet Chaucer in this February\u2019s Masterclass<\/a> on Sunday 22 February, 10am \u2013 4pm.<\/p>\n And an \u2018In Conversation\u2019 for adults will take place with New York Times best-selling illustrator David Roberts<\/a> to discuss his latest work We Are Your Children: A History of LGBTQ+ Activism in The Reader Bookshop on Thursday 26 February, 6.30pm \u20138pm.<\/p>\n Jamie Barton, Literary Activity and Bookshop Manager at The Reader Bookshop said: <\/p>\n \u201c2026 is set to be the National Year of Reading, and we are starting it off with some brilliant reads like Hamnet by Maggie O\u2019Farrell and Orbital by Samantha Harvey.\u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cFor this programme we\u2019re drawing inspiration from The Reader\u2019s 2026 Bookshelf which we are excited to share soon. If you\u2019re looking for an opportunity to try something brand-new and enriching in 2026, it\u2019s the perfect time to get involved in Shared Reading!\u201d<\/p>\n The National Year of Reading sets out to encourage a love of books and reading to children from an early age. The number of children and young people in the UK now reading a book for pleasure has dropped to its lowest level in 20 years. The National Literacy Trust<\/a> has revealed just one in three eight to 18-year\u2011olds enjoy reading in their spare time \u2013 a 36% reduction in two decades.\u00a0<\/p>\n Find out more on The Reader website<\/a>. Find out what\u2019s good up North on our new platform, The Northern Guide.\u00a0 ![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/Events-celebrating-National-Year-of-Reading-2026-at-The-Reader.jpg\")
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\nFind more events across Liverpool on our calendar<\/a>. <\/p>\n
\nFrom the best hotels, beauty spots, days out, food and more up North \u2013 visit\u00a0thenorthernguide.com<\/a>\u00a0and follow The Northern Guide on Instagram\u00a0HERE.<\/a><\/p>\n