Popular children's reading scheme designed in Devon is rolled out across libaries in Bradford

Libraries Unlimited’s popular The Secret Book Quest is being launched in libraries in Bradford, West Yorkshire.  

The Quest, which is available both as a free sticker-booklet and an online programme, has so far helped over 10,000 children across Devon and Torbay with their reading.  

Originally created by Libraries Unlimited in 2021 with illustrations from artist Emily Fox, the unique challenge is designed to inspire a love of reading in children aged 5 to 12. Children work towards a 50-book goal on a journey through the library with characters Pip, Libro and Zena. Along the way they travel through ten different themed zones including space, Jurassic and imagination.  

In 2024 Libraries Unlimited (with funding from Libraries Connected) launched The Secret Book Quest as an online platform, including a new story written by author Lucy Banks, audio from actress Jo Pickard, and educational games linked to each zone.  

Now Bradford City Council have licenced the Secret Book Quest from Libraries Unlimited and will be launching the reading challenge across its 10 council-led, 15 community run and two hybrid libraries from October.   

Kate Turner, Head of Library Services with Libraries Unlimited, said: “We are all thrilled to see the Secret Book Quest spread its wings beyond Devon and Torbay and I am absolutely delighted to be working with the team in Bradford to launch the programme. The Quest has bought so much joy to children across the county, my own included, and has helped to inspire a love of reading, a love of libraries and a love of Libro, Pip and Zena.   

“Last year over 185,000 children in the UK started school without the language, communication and literacy skills they need to thrive. The heartbreaking reality is we are living in a ‘cost of literacy crisis’. Research published in February from Pro Bono Economics shows that the disadvantage gap in early literacy skills is costing over £800 million every year in England.” 

Research by the National Literacy Trust highlights the significant impact of communication and literacy skills on children’s learning, confidence, and wellbeing. It shows that children with poor literacy skills are more likely to struggle with their GCSEs and face unemployment by their 30s. Those experiencing poverty are particularly affected. In 2022, it was reported that nine million adults in the UK face literacy challenges, which has a substantial impact on educational outcomes, employment, and the economy. 

Kate Turner added: “A child’s earliest years are pivotal to their development and life chances. That’s where libraries and programmes such as The Secret Book Quest come in. Literacy and libraries are inextricably linked to opportunity and empowerment. Increasing levels of literacy increases life opportunities, earnings and health outcomes. 

“We will continue to encourage children to sign up for The Quest in libraries across Devon and Torbay and look forward to hearing more success stories in Bradford.”  

Samantha McGee, Development Officer - Young People for Bradford Libraries, said: “We’re really excited to launch The Secret Book Quest in Bradford Libraries. The challenge will be a great addition to our offer for children in the district and we look forward to building on the success it has already gained in Devon and Torbay." 

The Secret Book Quest continues to be available to children across Devon and Torbay. Children can sign up for free at their local library. They will receive their very own Secret Book Quest journal, the first sticker in their collection and a bookmark to record the secret codes to access the new digital platform. 

For more information on The Secret Book Quest reading challenge, visit librariesunlimited.org.uk/secret-book-quest/