Our Literacy Library
Our Literacy Library at the CLPE building in London was built to create a permanent home for our 23,000 children’s books and resources. Opening its doors in November 2018, the Literacy Library has established the CLPE as a leading site for literacy training and events, and a space for educators to come together to learn about the best children’s books in the UK.
The refurbishment of the centre was made possible through a successful crowdfunder campaign. Hundreds of individuals and organisations donated to the campaign including publishers, writers and illustrators, charities, teachers and people to whom books and literacy matter. Donors had the opportunity to buy a shelf, bookcase or alcove and have their names permanently displayed in the new Literacy Library. See the full list of crowdfunder campaign supporters.
To celebrate our fiftieth birthday in 2022 we renewed all the illustrations that surround the books. This would not have been possible without the support of our wonderful publisher supporters and the support of all the authors and illustrators.
We are so grateful to all our supporters who shared our vision of a Literacy Library.
‘Many writers and illustrators have been lucky enough to see the impact of the CLPE's hard work in schools, myself included. That the charity is now in a position to strengthen and build on these opportunities is absolutely fantastic and will create a lasting legacy for the next generations of readers.’ - SF Said, award-winning author.
Watch a video tour of our library space (narrated by our patron Joe Coelho) in the video below and see another video of the 2022 illustrations, better still, come and visit us!
You can visit our library, by yourself or with a group of staff or children. Visits do need to be booked in advance with our Librarian and in the first instance you should email [email protected] or contact 020 7902 2287
We love to share our space and offer special rates for other children's charities and not for profit literacy organisations.
We can host book launches, conferences and other events. When you hire our library you are supporting our charity to ensure quality children's literature is part of the life and learning of all children. Find out more here: Venue and Room Hire