Coventry Libraries Big Book Bash
The Coventry Libraries Big Book Bash is coming to The Transport Museum!
Tied into the National Year of Reading 2026, the Big Book Bash is a free event during the half term holiday, that welcomes children and young families. In recent years, there has been a significant decline in reading and literacy for some segments of the population. To revitalise the love and fun of reading, we have organised this fully packed day.
Taking place on Wednesday 28 October 2026, from 10am to 3.30pm.
What to expect on the day
Author visit from Aaron Ashmore
A Coventry-based children’s author and entrepreneur. He writes books that bring Coventry’s history, characters and stories to life for children, including Lady Godiva’s Birthday Suit, Coventry: The Phoenix City and the Time Travelling Coventry Taxi series. Aaron has donated more than 12,000 of his books to schools across Coventry and regularly speaks to children about writing, creativity and the city they call home.
Aaron’s talk takes children behind the scenes of being an author - from coming up with ideas and turning Coventry’s history into stories, through to writing, illustrating and publishing a book. He’ll share stories and inspiration from his own books, explore where ideas come from, get the children involved with interactive storytelling and finish with a chance for them to ask questions about writing, books and becoming an author.
Some activities on the day include:
- themed Storytimes and Rhyme times
- free books give away
- 5 themed activities table (Comics, Music, Dinosaurs, languages, fictional characters)
- facepainting
- Bingo
- badgemaking
- Silent Disco
Workshop timetable below
Yoga for Kids - 10am to 10.30am
- number of places available: 10
- 4 to 7 year olds
- fun ways to move your body into animal shapes. Be Strong! Be healthy! Be happy!
Writers Workshop - midday to 12.45pm
- 80 places
- children age 7yrs+ and families
- Maria Motunrayo Adébísí is the author of the award-nominated 'Kòkú Àkànbí' fantasy series, which brings West African mythology to life through exciting adventures for young readers. Her engaging stories celebrate imagination, culture and the joy of reading. Expect an interactive glow in the dark African Mythology workshop
Family Activities - 1pm to 1.45pm
- 30 places in total
- children age 2yrs+ and families
- Be Active Be Healthy - An activity session for families where both parents and children take part in fun games and relays
Yoga for Kids - 3pm to 3.30pm
- number of places available: 10
- 8 to 12 year olds
- fun ways to move your body into animal shapes. Be Strong! Be healthy! Be happy!
Partner stalls:
- Coventry Job Shop
- Adult Education
- Family Information Service
- Family hubs
- SOMA
- Foster Services