James Reckitt Reading Conference 2026
Join us at the James Reckitt Reading Conference for a day of learning and collaboration with Hull SLS, Hull Libraries and special guests.
James Reckitt Reading Conference 2026
- Monday 15 June
- 8:30am - 3:15pm
- Malarkey Park, East Park, Hull
- £80 / Reduced rates for Hull SLS members
Join us at The Big Malarkey Festival for our annual reading conference!
We've got an action packed day filled with exciting talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a bookworm, a literature enthusiast, or simply looking to expand your knowledge, this event is suitable for everyone who is responsible for encouraging reading in a learning environment.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to dive into the world of reading and storytelling with like-minded individuals.
Join us at the James Reckitt Reading Conference for a day of learning and collaboration with Hull SLS, Hull Libraries and special guests.
James Reckitt Reading Conference 2026
- Monday 15 June
- 8:30am - 3:15pm
- Malarkey Park, East Park, Hull
- £80 / Reduced rates for Hull SLS members
Join us at The Big Malarkey Festival for our annual reading conference!
We've got an action packed day filled with exciting talks, workshops, and networking opportunities. Whether you're a bookworm, a literature enthusiast, or simply looking to expand your knowledge, this event is suitable for everyone who is responsible for encouraging reading in a learning environment.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity to dive into the world of reading and storytelling with like-minded individuals.
Line-up
Keynote Speaker: Imogen Bond / EmpathyLab
Keynote Speaker: Matt Goodfellow
Claire Linney
Helen Gill
Ben Lawrence
Hull Schools’ Library Service
Good to know
Highlights
- 6 hours 45 minutes
- In-person
Refund Policy
Location
East Park
Holderness Road
Kingston upon Hull HU8 8JU
How do you want to get there?
Agenda
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Registration and Networking (refreshments provided in the Big Top)
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Welcome and Introduction / Hull Schools’ Library Service
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Keynote Speaker: Imogen Bond / EmpathyLab
Imogen is Managing Director of EmpathyLab, a not-for-profit established over a decade ago, embedding empathy development into children’s reading experiences, in schools, homes and communities nationwide. EmpathyLab want every child to benefit from a powerful, reading-based empathy education, building generations of empathic citizens empowered to make the world a better place for everyone. We face a reading crisis, a wellbeing crisis, and growing divisions — what if stories could be a solution? EmpathyLab turns current psychology and neuroscience evidence into everyday practice for teachers, librarians and caregivers, supercharging reading to build empathy, boost wellbeing, improve attainment, and strengthen communities. Crucially, it can be done in every setting with no bolt-on resource. This keynote will share landmark new research showing how an empathy approach builds stronger readers, practical take away tools, and offer a hopeful way ahead in the National Year of Reading.