If you went to Morley Library yesterday, (Oct 12) you were sure of a big surprise.
A teddy bears’ picnic and story time was held at the library on Commercial Street, with special visitors Ed Balls and Guardian journalist Polly Toynbee.
The Morley and Outwood MP and shadow chancellor read the story ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ to a room full of youngsters as part of the Morley Literature Festival.
Mr Balls said: “It was lovely.
“The children knew the actions even better than me.
“We even had a visit from the Bookstart bear.
“At the start of Morley’s brilliant literature festival it’s great to see our under-fiv IF you went to Morley Library yesterday, you were sure of a big surprise.
es really getting into books so we encourage the next generation of readers.”
Children were invited to take their favourite teddy bear or cuddly toy to the event and could join in with stories, go on a hunt and take part in craft activities.
The event was organised by Booktrust and Leeds Library and Information Services and celebrated Bookstart’s 20th birthday.
Now in its seventh year, Morley Literature Festival is an annual week-long festival in October celebrating books, reading and writing.
The jam-packed programme includes author events, workshops, comedy, music and family shows.
Recent guests have included Will Self, Iain Banks, Ian Rankin, Kate Adie, Mark Radcliffe, Wendy Cope, Derek Landy, John Hegley, Lucy Worsley, Barbara Taylor Bradford and John Shuttleworth.
The festival’s patron is Yorkshire-born author Gervase Phinn.
Polly Toynbee, political and social commentator at the Guardian, also held a talk at Morley Town Hall yesterday as part of the festival.
The writer, who was named ‘Political Journalist of The Year’ in 2003 and ‘Columnist of the Year’ at the British Press Awards in 2007, spoke about several topical issues at the event.
The Morley Literature Festival runs until Sunday, October 14.
For more information about upcoming events or to book tickets, visit: www.morleyliteraturefestival.co.uk
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