Seven Stories makes free entry permanent

Seven Stories, the Newcastle-based National Centre for Children’s Books, is to make free entry to the centre permanent following a successful trial. The aim is to further its strategic aim of increasing accessibility to children’s books in communities and schools across the UK, Seven Stories said.

The general admission fee to the centre was removed for a trial period in February and saw an uplift in visitor numbers. 

Wendy Elliott, interim c.e.o. of Seven Stories, said: “Our goal is to put stories at the heart of every childhood, no matter what background or place you grow up in, and in order to do that we need be as accessible as possible to as many children as possible. So, earlier this year, we made our building free entry for the first time in our 16-year history—and the effect has been amazing. We had over 7,500 visitors in just seven days, which was even higher than pre-pandemic levels, and it was fantastic to see so many new visitors enjoying our galleries and events, from our region and further afield.” 

Claire Riley, chair of the board at Seven Stories, added: “For many years we have delivered impactful and award-winning activities in and with specific disadvantaged local communities and this will continue to develop, encompassing more places, more activities and more partnerships in the coming years. However, we also intend to permanently mirror this commitment to accessibility in our building too and we’re thrilled to say that the free-entry model is here to stay.” 

The Seven Stories team works with communities across the UK on storytimes and activity sessions, baby groups, children’s workshops and school engagement activities. Recently the team worked in partnership with children’s centres across the north-east to engage young children and families living in disadvantaged communities.