National Literacy Trust in Doncaster

02/10/2026

Life is busy and it isn’t always easy to find time for yourself.

We’re encouraging everyone to on and around World Mental Health Day, Saturday 10 October.

Reading is a great way to calm your mind and boost your mood. Whether it’s a comic, magazine, audiobook or favourite story, taking just 10 minutes to read can help you relax and connect with others.

Find out more and get involved: literacytrust.org.uk/take10

02/10/2026

Join us at Sandall Beat Woods on Saturday 10 October, from 10:30am–2pm, for a magical day of stories, creativity and reading 🌳

What you can expect:
Hear a favourite traditional tale
Draw along with our illustrator
Take home a free book of your choice to treasure.

This event is part of Take 10 to Read, encouraging people of all ages to drop everything and read for 10 minutes on 10 October to mark World Mental Health Day.

What better place to pause, read and enjoy a story than in one of Doncaster’s best-known natural environments?

30/09/2026

Video Games Panel: Meet the Creators!🤩

Video games were voted as Doncaster children's number one interest in our National Year of Reading poll. Now, we’re bringing the people behind the games to you!

Calling all Doncaster schools and home educators📢 Join our virtual event on Monday 12th October, 1:30–2:15pm, featuring poet Sam Gayton, author Jennifer Bell, and Stephen and Helen from PitStop Productions.

Discover how storytelling, writing and literacy are at the heart of the gaming industry - and take part in an interactive quiz and put their questions to the panel!

Email [email protected] for your sign-up link.

24/09/2026

Calling all schools, organisations, community groups and individuals... don't miss your chance to take part in our attempt to set a new world record!

Will you take 10 minutes to read and help to set a new world record?

On Thursday 8 October, in partnership with British Council, we’ll attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most people reading online in 12 hours. It’s part of our campaign in the .

Join online sessions with authors and influencers throughout the day and be part of a global shared reading moment. Schools, businesses, community groups, families and individuals can all get involved.

Sign up and take 10 minutes to read into what you love: https://loom.ly/ycVOruU

03/09/2026

A love of sport can kick-start a love of reading.

When children talk about something they enjoy, they’re developing their literacy skills.

As part of the National Year of Reading, help your family get even more from the sports they love by starting a debate! Discuss team tactics, sporting legends and the importance of teamwork over a family meal or on a car journey. There's no right answer, because it’s all about sharing ideas and listening to other opinions.

Which sporting opinion would you defend to the end?

Not sure where to look? Get started: https://goallin.org.uk/sport/

27/08/2026

A love of sport can kick-start a love of reading.

When children write about something they enjoy, they explore their passions while building important literacy skills. It’s a win-win.

As part of the National Year of Reading, help your family get even more from the sports they love by writing a list of facts about a sportsperson they admire. Research their career highlights and personal achievements. It’s a great way to build knowledge and communication skills.

Which sportsperson are you researching?

Not sure where to look? Get started: https://goallin.org.uk/sport/

25/08/2026

What a treat to be part of Doncaster's Great Bear Hunt last Saturday🐻

We were delighted to be part of the South Yorkshire Mayor’s Little Big Book Club, with plenty of storytelling, draw-alongs, music and free books for all!

A huge thank you to Doncaster Council, Family Hubs, Darts, Visit Doncaster, our lovely Literacy Champion Mandy and everyone who helped make the day such a success!

What was your favourite part of the day?

20/08/2026

A love of sport can kick-start a love of reading.

When children read, write or talk about something they enjoy, they deepen their interests while building important literacy skills. It’s a win-win.

As part of the National Year of Reading, help your family get even more from the sports they love by drawing a comic strip retelling a great sporting moment. Capture the drama, excitement and celebration using pictures, speech bubbles and captions to bring the story to life.

Which sporting moment inspires your comic?

Not sure where to look? Get started: https://goallin.org.uk/sport/

14/08/2026

Families in Doncaster! We’ve got some FREE story-inspired fun for you.

Why not join us at The Great Doncaster Bear Hunt as ‘We’re Going on a Bear Hunt’ is brought to life in Sir Nigel Gresley Square on Saturday 22 August 🌿

Find out more here bit.ly/greatdonbearhunt and check out the poster below.

🐻 WE’RE GOING ON A BEAR HUNT! 🐻

Something magical is coming to Doncaster this summer…

The Great Doncaster Bear Hunt is landing in Sir Nigel Gresley Square on Saturday 22nd August! 🌿

📍 Sir Nigel Gresley Square, Doncaster
📅 Saturday 22nd August - 10am-4pm (SEND and quiet hour: 10-11am)
🎟️ FREE – no booking required, just turn up!

Join us for a FREE family day inspired by We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, with:

🧸 Interactive trail through story-book scenes inspired by We’re Going on a Bear Hunt - performed by darts!

📖 Live storytelling & draw-along sessions with Doncaster author and illustrator Phill Sheppard, who has created the bears for our event!

🎨 Story-themed crafts including making your own bears and bear badges

💛 Bear-hunt inspired activities with our Family Hubs including glitter tattoos and shell painting

🫧Enjoy bear inspired entertainment including face painting, balloon modelling and a bubble artist

🤡 Special appearance by Mr Dan!

🎁 Collect a special FREE treat to take home and continue your reading adventure, as well as a free book from the National Literacy Trust

And it’s all happening alongside Summer in the City, so once you’ve finished your bear hunt, there’s even more seaside-inspired family fun to enjoy!

We're going on a bear hunt.. are you coming?

🔗Find out more and get new announcements on our Facebook Event page at https://facebook.com/events/s/-the-great-doncaster-bear-hunt/1628545985363230/ OR visit our event webpage at bit.ly/greatdonbearhunt

This event is part of the 'South Yorkshire Mayor’s Reading Network: Little Big Book Club' and funded by South Yorkshire Mayor, Oliver Coppard

13/08/2026

A love of sport can kick-start a love of reading.

When children talk about something they enjoy, they’re developing their literacy skills. It’s a chance to put their thoughts into words and build confidence in their communication.

As part of the National Year of Reading, help your family get even more from the sports they love by talking about why you love your favourite sport. Share your enthusiasm and hear what others enjoy too.

Tell us why your favourite sport, team or athlete is the best!

Not sure where to look? Get started: https://goallin.org.uk/sport/