A travelling library on wheels attracted more than 600 visitors when it made a stop in Newport to promote enthusiasm for literature.

The Find Your Story Book Bus, operated by retail chain The Works, set up at Friars Walk Shopping Centre as part of a nationwide initiative backing the National Year of Reading 2026.

Over 300 young people received complimentary copies of books during the stop.

Gavin Peck, chief executive of The Works, stated that witnessing such strong engagement from children and families at the Newport event had been a pleasure.

He explained that the company understands books can genuinely help youngsters build self-assurance, imagination, and an enduring passion for narratives.

The company is therefore honoured to take the Find Your Story Book Bus to various towns and cities throughout Britain, offering every child the chance to find a book they will enjoy.

Children at the event took part in sessions led by author Nat Luurtsema, who writes The Overthinkers’ Club series, along with engaging storytelling of The Magic Faraway Tree and opportunities to meet the Gruffalo character.

The occasion drew attention to the value of encouraging reading habits at a time when research indicates one in three households possesses fewer than ten books—and almost half of youngsters read solely because it is assigned as homework.

Parents have expressed worry about decreasing reading habits, with 78 per cent concerned that coming generations may lose out on the pleasure of books.

The Works’ research additionally revealed that 56 per cent of parents think screen usage impacts their child’s capacity to concentrate on reading.

The Book Bus forms a component of The Works’ READ commitment, which seeks to collect £150,000, distribute 250,000 books, and support the development of reading abilities in underprivileged areas throughout Britain.

Peck noted that the impressive response in Newport demonstrated how enthusiastic families are about reading when provided with opportunities, and the company is pleased to back the National Year of Reading 2026 through projects that motivate additional children to discover their own literary journey.