seven stories

Artist's Attic

Our beautiful attic space is used for all kinds of book related activities! Try on our magical costumes designed exclusively for Seven Stories and act out your story in our theatre space. Curl up with a book in our comfy purple sofas or listen to our resident storytellers in our daily storytimes.

The Attic is also where you can meet your favourite authors and illustrators as we host a number of special events throughout the year. Check our what's on page for details.

At the moment, the Attic has been transformed into a scene inspired by Oliver Jeffers' The Incredible Book Eating Boy! Oliver became an artist in residency during 2010 October Half Term and has suspended hundreds of books from our attic beams and included all of your self portraits!

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Storylab

Find out about the Seven Stories Collection, what we collect and how we look after it, and see some of the original artwork and manuscripts from our collection. In Storylab you can access the collection online as well as play digital games to test your collection knowledge! 

Storylab is also used to hold workshops and film screenings during school holidays.

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There's Nuffin Like a Puffin

Celebrate 70 spectacular years of Puffin Books with an exhibition the whole family can enjoy. Discover old favourites such as The Borrowers, Stig of the Dump and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to new contemporary titles including Artemis Fowl, Flour Babies and Percy Jackson. Younger children can also discover our beautiful picture book area, which showcases original illustrations from Spot the Dog, Harry and his Bucketful of Dinosaurs, Meg and Mog, Mr Big, Each, Peach, Pear, Plum and The Very Hungry Caterpillar. 

Visitors will also find copies of all the books, puffin memorabilia and some great interactives including costumes, activities and a huge Mr Big piano! For further information click here.

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Book Den

The Bookden showcases an innovative project between Action for Children and Seven Stories which will reach up to 500 centres nationally, using Anthony Browne's picture books as inspiration for creative art.

Through the Magic Mirror, the World of Anthony Browne

This original exhibition invites you to step through the magic mirror and into the amazing world of Anthony Browne. Expect a visual treat from the award-winning illustrator and current Children's Laureate, in an exhibition which showcases artwork from favourites such as Gorilla, Willy the Champ, Zoo, Little Beauty and Into the Forest. As Children's Laureate, Anthony's message is for everyone, young and old, to enjoy learn and be inspired by picture books. We can see before we can read and pictures can unlock stories and our understanding of the world and ourselves.

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Entrance and Bookshop

Yes, that's right, you enter Seven Stories on Level 3! The centre used to be a Victorian mill and we have tried to keep as much of the original architecture as possible. From levels 1, 2 and 3 you have beautiful views of the River Ouse.

We're justifiably very proud of our Bookshop, which has been recognised by the Booksellers’ Association as one of the biggest and best independent children's bookshops in the country. Our staff are passionate about children's books, and are only too willing to help you with any book-buying decisions you need to make. We now have a selection of our titles to buy online – why not have a look at our shop section here.

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café

Put your feet up and relax in the cafe with a selection of hot and cold drinks, sandwiches, wraps and soups as well as a delicious range of cakes and buns.

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Creation Station

Join us in the Creation Station for craft activites that jump straight out of the pages of your favourite children's books. Drop-in activities are included in your admission ticket and change on a weekly basis.

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