The Love of Books Celebrated at Cheadle Library
- 15 hours ago
- 2 min read
The 22nd August 2026 saw people gather to celebrate a shared love of books at Cheadle Library's 2nd annual book festival. The event took place all day with activities running on both floors.
Organiser and Chair Ivan Wosniak told COGNEWS that the Library was very pleased with how the day was going. They'd tried to expand on what they had done last year, hosting a lot more variety of events for all the family. A cartoonist, caricaturist, storytelling, and fancy dress were some of the range of activities on offer, and in the afternoon they had a very special event - a talk by Lee & Louie about myths and legends of the Moorlands.
Ivan recommends that next year everyone needs to come along!
Cheadle Mayor Phil Routledge said "It's a fantastic day, with children drawing and listening to stories and the girl guides providing refreshments."
Threapwood Division Guides
The hard-working group had baked some very delicious looking cakes to sell to raise funds for the library.Funds are also being raised for a group of 13 of go on a trip to Croatia next summer.
One of the guides told us she does the cooking at home with her Nan; she had made banana bread which looked delicious. They’d all tested the cakes that morning just to check they were perfect!
Elodie Wells, a young leader explained, “We are from different units. Today we are raising funds for the library. I’ve been involved with Guides about 5 years, as a Young Leader. I help plan and run activities”.
A truly inspirational group - well done and a big thank you for your fantastic cakes and drinks.
Story Teller - Stephen Haines
Stephen was entertaining the children with stories, and was dressed as Professor Quackers. He told us..”This year I’m not reading ‘from’ a book, but telling the story of Hansel and Gretal, which I know well. The library committee asked me to return this year after a really successful children’s event last year.
Caricaturist - Andy Gilbert
Multi-award-winning caricaturist Andy Gilbert was a popular guest with a constant queue for his fun graphical representations of the young and old.
Children's Author & Illustrator - Matt Buckingham
Matt told us about his journey to becoming a very successful children’s author. “My first book came out in 1998, so 28 years now. I’m an illustrator really. I don’t feel I’m a natural author, but the transition from being an illustrator to wanting to tell stories through my pictures gravitated me to writing picture books for young children.
I got so many ideas and inspirations when my own children were young. I’ve produced 5 Bright Stanley books myself, and have done illustrations for lots of other books too. I’ve done history books, non-fiction books, board books for very young children, pop-up books, right through to books for older children.
Bright Stanley came out of a trip to the Natural History Museum in London. I see something that I like, that inspires me, get my sketchbook and create a character from it.”
Matt’s Bright Stanley books are very beautiful and great to read to children. His books are available online.
This was a popular and fun day for families to celebrate an often-overlooked activity we can all enjoy in some way.
