TPE opens a new chapter for young readers at Thirsk station
A new children’s Book Nook has been officially opened at TransPennine Express’ (TPE) Thirsk station by acclaimed author Amelia Tait.
The reading space is one of two donated by Hachette UK to TPE as part of its Raising Readers initiative, with a second Book Nook at Malton station.
Featuring comfortable seating and a selection of children’s books, the spaces give young customers the chance to read and stay entertained while waiting for their train.
The books are for customers to enjoy at the station and are not part of a book swap or to be taken away.
Amelia- who grew up in North Yorkshire- visited Thirsk to launch the Book Nook and celebrate her debut children’s novel, Lily Tripp: Diary of an Accidental Time Traveller, which was recently selected as a national Waterstones Children’s Book of the Month.
The station team has already received positive feedback from parents whose children have enjoyed the books while waiting for their train.
Mike Drewery, Area Customer Experience Manager for TPE said: “We want our stations to be welcoming places for everyone, and the new Book Nooks are a great way to help keep our younger customers entertained while encouraging a love of reading.
“We’re delighted Amelia could join us at Thirsk to officially open the new space.”
Amelia Tait said: “Thanks so much to TransPennine Express for inviting me to Thirsk station to open their brand-new Book Nook.
"Having grown up in North Yorkshire, I’m especially thrilled to see their partnership with The Reading Agency and Hachette’s Raising Readers initiative, helping make books more accessible to local families in community spaces.”
Hachette UK was introduced to TPE through its partnership with The Reading Agency for the National Year of Reading.
Following TPE’s support for the Summer Reading Challenge, the Book Nooks are another way the train operator is helping to encourage children to discover and enjoy reading.