About Us

The National Centre for Children’s Books

Seven Stories is a registered educational charity and Arts Council accredited museum.

We champion the importance of reading and its lifelong benefits for children and young people through our bespoke educational programmes and free online Collection of over one million items from an archive of children’s literature.

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Our Story

Once upon a time in 2005, an idea was born on the banks of the Tyne for a magical place which would protect and celebrate children’s books and all that goes into creating them. Today, we’re a unique asset to the North East of England, and an integral part of the nation’s literary heritage that can be accessed for free, here in the heart of Newcastle upon Tyne.

Our bustling seven-storey building attracts 75,000+ families every year, and has became a cultural hub within the Ouseburn Valley community.

We believe we have a special responsibility to put stories at the heart of every single childhood regardless of circumstance, background or reading ability. Extensive research has proven that nurturing reading for pleasure will have life-long benefits for a child. Seven Stories works across the North-East of England with schools and communities to promote and sustain reading for pleasure initiatives, improving literacy and oracy skills for children, young people and their families.

"This is a wonderful place. With free exhibits on Judith Kerr, Martin Brown and others, it is a fantastic place to understand story-making. As a teacher, I could see how welcoming and accessible it is for families and children."

Visitor Stories