Families are invited to step into Experian’s Library of No Returns – a magical, fairytale inspired pop-up created to spark a love of reading among children in Walsall an area identified by research by Experian as having high literacy vulnerability levels and below-average credit scores. The community space provides a storytelling environment that inspires families to enjoy reading at an early age with new data from Experian revealing that increased literacy rates in early life could lead to better financial outcomes later in life.
All children attending will be able to take home a brand-new book to keep from the Library Of No Returns. Launching at Pelsall Community Centre in Walsall on the 9th of April, the experience has been created by Experian in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. The initiative aims to highlight the important role reading plays in shaping children’s literacy skills early on and strengthening long-term financial capability as a result.
The pop-up will transform Pelsall Community Centre, into an enchanting storytelling environment where books quite literally come to life. Throughout the day, families can enjoy interactive storytelling sessions hosted by local children’s authors, such as Steve Anthony and Monika Singh Gangotra, as well as special guest Alesha Dixon who will read an extract from one of her children’s books.
Visitors will also be able to browse a carefully curated collection of books aimed at children aged 3-10 years old, with every child invited to choose a brand new title to take home and keep, helping to remove barriers to book access and encourage reading beyond the event.
Alongside the activities for children, parents can access practical support and guidance from Experian experts, offering advice on how to build financial confidence and helping families feel more prepared for the future.
The event forms part of a wider UK campaign that will see over 5,000 books distributed to communities to communities that will benefit the most from support in helping improve those who have high literacy vulnerability levels, ensuring support reaches the families who need it most. Experian has created the initiative as part of its mission to help improve financial wellbeing, with the campaign designed to highlight how early reading skills can play a crucial role in shaping confidence, opportunities and long-term financial capability.
Disclaimer – entry is on a first come first serve basis and there is no guarantee you will be able to enter the space on arrival, but we will do our best to ensure you get to visit our experience. We will also not be announcing when Alesha will be at the pop-up, so please do not expect to see her on arrival. Books donation will be limited to one per child and only for children aged between 3 and 10 years old.
