Free Preacher story quest comes to North Northamptonshire

Young people aged 10 to 16 can attend Interactive Storytelling with Preacher the Storyteller free of charge at six North Northamptonshire libraries. The first sessions will be held at Kettering and Rushden libraries on Thursday 27 August 2026, followed by events at Wellingborough, Oundle, Irthlingborough and Corby libraries during the October half-term holiday.

North Northamptonshire Council Libraries says places can be requested through participating libraries’ Facebook pages or by visiting a library in person. Eventbrite booking is also available for the Kettering and Rushden sessions.

When and where the sessions will take place

The programme begins with two events in August and then resumes during the October half-term period.

Individual October dates have not been provided for Wellingborough, Oundle, Irthlingborough or Corby. Families considering one of those locations should check the participating library’s Facebook page or ask at the library for the confirmed date before making plans.

Young audiences will help shape each adventure

Preacher the Storyteller will combine storytelling, imagination and audience participation. Rather than attending a conventional reading built around a fixed story, young participants will become involved in imaginative adventures and help determine how the stories develop around them.

The experience is presented as “the game of all games, the quest of all quests”. Its stated age range is 10 to 16, so parents and carers should note that the sessions are intended specifically for children and young people within that bracket rather than for a general family audience.

National reading funding supports the programme

North Northamptonshire Council received funding from the Department for Culture, Media and Sport as part of the National Year of Reading 2026. The Reading Agency, working in partnership with the department, is supporting 72 library authorities across the country with funding intended to encourage reading and reach new audiences.

North Northamptonshire Council Libraries is using its grant to bring Preacher the Storyteller to the six participating libraries and provide the creative sessions without an attendance charge.

How to request a free place

The council’s announcement does not provide session start times, street addresses, transport information or accessibility arrangements. Anyone planning to attend should confirm these practical details directly with their chosen library before travelling.

Bookings for all six locations can be requested through the participating libraries’ Facebook pages or in person at the library. For the Kettering and Rushden events on 27 August, places can also be booked through Eventbrite.

Source: North Northamptonshire Council