The magic of reading is spreading across Bedford Borough as children at Bromham Primary School prepare to become book fairies, wrapping and hiding books for their community to discover. As part of Bedford Borough’s Year of Reading, pupils will take part in a special mission to share the joy of books with people of all ages, placing them in public spaces as hidden treasures waiting to be found.
Councillor Jane Walker, Portfolio Holder for Valuing Families: Children’s Services, said: “With 1,000’s of books donated for the project, The Book Fairies ensures that stories for all ages will be available to those who come across them. The hope is that someone will discover a book, pick it up, and find time to read it for pleasure.”
Bromham Primary’s pupils are leading the way in this exciting project, helping to bring books to their community and encourage reading beyond the classroom. Each child will carefully draw a picture or write a personal note to add to the book before tying the eye catching ribbon and placing an official Book Fairy sticker on the front. The children (known at this point as book fairies!) will then set out on a book fairy field trip, selecting locations across Bedford Borough to hide their books in plain sight.
Families, schools, and book lovers across the borough are encouraged to join in the excitement by keeping an eye out for hidden books and sharing their discoveries online using #BBYearOfReading2025, #ibelieveinbookfairies and #bookfairiesinschool.
This is just the beginning, with many more schools set to take part. Schools that get involved can also be featured on The Book Fairy official website by emailing bookfairyemail@gmail.com and showcasing their magical book-finding moments.
Councillor Walker added, “The importance of reading has never been greater. Nationally, one in four children leave primary school unable to read at the expected level, and a recent National Literacy Trust survey found that only one in three children aged 8–18 enjoy reading in their spare time. Here in Bedford Borough, we are determined to change this. That’s why we’ve identified 2025 as our Year of Reading.
“The Year of Reading will shine a light on the many fantastic events and activities that already support children, young people, and adults in fostering a love of books. Throughout the year, we will also be hosting dedicated events and activities to ensure that reading remains exciting and accessible for all.”
The Book Fairies of Bedford are on a mission to make books more accessible and inspire a lifelong love of reading. Who knows? The next book you find might just be waiting for you!