Here are a few links to places in and near Hackney that you could visit with your child and encourage their reading:

Hackney libraries
Borrow books, CDs, DVDs and computer games, read newspapers and magazines, and take part in story time sessions and other activities.

Victoria Park Books
Independent children’s bookshop. Sometimes runs meet-the-author events.

Hackney Museum
Free to visit! Find out about Hackney past and present. Sometimes runs sessions for children.

Discover Centre (Stratford)
Interactive story trail full of fun and educational things to do to spark the imagination and create stories.

Museum of Childhood (E2)
Free to visit! Toy and childhood galleries, an interactive creative space, and activities for children too. (There may be a charge for some activities)

Children’s Centres, Community groups, youth clubs and tenants’ associations in your area may also offer reading related activities. Contact them to find out!

Resources

Don’t forget that the Family Information Service can provide broader support about childcare, education, leisure and family services in Hackney.

The National Literacy Trust has all kinds of information about reading and literacy.

Booktrust is a charity that encourages people to discover and enjoy reading. It also runs the following schemes, each with their own site where you can find out information about books and reading for that age group:

Bookstart
Provides a free book for every baby in the UK

Booktime
Provides a book pack for children just after they start school.

Booked up
Provides every year 7 pupil with a free book (one from a list of 12).

World book day
Annual celebration of books and reading that will take place on 4 March 2010.