LNER welcomed acclaimed No.1 best-selling children’s author Cressida Cowell to Edinburgh Waverley to unveil its new ‘Raising Readers Book Nook’ in the Station’s Family Lounge.
Cressida, best known for her popular ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ series of children’s titles, which led to a hugely successful series of films, officially opened the special reading area. It aims to inspire children as part of LNER’s support of the National Year of Reading.
The ‘Raising Readers Book Nook’ features more than a hundred books donated by Hachette Children’s Group and has been installed in the LNER Family Lounge in partnership with publishers Hachette UK and charity The Reading Agency.
Throughout the summer, LNER has handed out thousands of free Summer Reading Challenge packs across its trains and stations, as well as free books and activities to keep children entertained. LNER also sponsored the children’s area at Edinburgh’s International Book Festival.
Jennifer Mearns, Regional Station Manager at LNER, said: “Our Family Lounge is very popular with customers travelling with children – an area where they can relax and be entertained before their journeys. The Book Nook is a great addition, and we were thrilled to welcome Cressida Cowell for its official opening. As we continue to support the National Year of Reading, we are hoping to inspire more people of all ages about the joy that reading can bring.”
Cressida Cowell said: “I was delighted to join LNER at Edinburgh Waverley station to open a wonderful new Book Nook in their Family Lounge. I love travelling by train, and the opportunity it creates for family time together, exploring new places, and enjoying a story along the way. It’s fantastic to see LNER partnering with The Reading Agency and Hachette’s Raising Readers initiative to make books more accessible for families in community spaces, particularly during the National Year of Reading!”
The Raising Readers Book Nook at Edinburgh Waverley station is one of 200 Book Nooks across the UK donated by Hachette to create 200 bespoke reading environments in community spaces.
