10 Years of Seven Stories - National Centre for Children's Books Seven Stories turns 10 this year, can you believe it! This blog will follow our journey through our 10th year, chronicling big changes, excitement and behind the scenes action as we undergo major refurbishment, prepare to re-open our visitor centre and celebrate our 10th birthday in style.

We will also be looking back at the last ten years and remembering some of our favourite moments. From major acquisitions to blockbuster exhibitions and everything in between. Don't be shy - get in touch and tell us your memorable moments from the last ten years, whether it is something that made you laugh or made you cry, we want to hear from you. We were delighted to welcome HRH The Duchess of Cornwall to Seven Stories to mark the beginning of our 10th birthday celebrations this January. The Duchess spent an hour at Seven Stories, meeting school children from Darlington's Red Hall primary School and Byker Primary School, along with young families who took part in our Again! Project. The Duchess also viewed original material from our archive including work by Judith Kerr, Philip Pullman, Enid Blyton and Shirley Hughes.

In the Spring we are planning major refurbishment, building new exhibitions and making our visitor centre even more welcoming. Most importantly our plans will inject new magic into Seven Stories for all of our visitors, so that the next generations of young readers will remember it as a special place in childhood. Stay tuned over the next year - it is going to be an exciting story!