In an inspiring display of community spirit, hundreds of people joined forces to form a human chain, aiding local charity Ykids in relocating over 15,000 books. This remarkable event took place between 1pm and 2:30pm on Tuesday, January 9th, from Kingsley and Co, a Victorian explorer-themed children’s bookshop in the Strand, Bootle, UK, to their new location on Stanley Road.
Kingsley and Co, part of a literacy project by Ykids, has been a outstanding example of storytelling and reading for pleasure in the lower mall of the Strand Shopping Centre for three years. The project, known for hosting events like the Great Dino Dig and the Bootle Children’s Literary Festival, is moving due to redevelopment plans.
Claire Morgans, CEO of Ykids, expressed her enthusiasm for the new location: “This is a fantastic opportunity to expand our reach and offer more for our community as the new premises offers greater flexibility.”
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The new shop is undergoing refurbishment and promises exciting features like discovery rooms, moving bookcases, themed classrooms, and a cosy café. Liz Jones, the project manager, hinted at a new programme of activities, inviting community input for the shop’s offerings.
Local schools and businesses rally in support
The human chain event was a success, with schools such as Christ Church CoE Primary School and All Saints Catholic Primary School participating in shifting the books. On X, formerly known as Twitter, the shop posted that it was “great to see so many people come out today to join our human chain.”
The effort was widely appreciated on social media, with one user commenting, “What a fabulous way to involve the community.”
Local businesses like Vinci Construction, Sovini, and Duke Street Food and Drink Market also supported the move. A regular customer, reflecting the sentiment of many, said, “my daughter cried when she realised Kingsley was closing – but we can’t wait for the new one!”
The invitation to participate in the human chain was extended to all, showcasing the strong community bonds and the collective effort to preserve and promote literacy and joy in reading among children.