It’s designed to spark imagination and a love of reading
Alex Kittow, Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve at the opening of the Clore Children’s Library (Credit: Submitted)
A new chapter in children’s literacy was written as two award-winning authors unveiled a reimagined library space designed with little readers in mind.
Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve – known collectively as Reeve & McIntyre – officially opened the newly refurbished Clore Children’s Library at Exeter Library, a space developed with input from local children. The library now features a floating mezzanine, a sensory area, and interactive zones for older children, all designed to inspire imagination and a love of reading.
The project, led by the charity Libraries Unlimited, was funded by the Clore Duffield Foundation and supported by local businesses. Exeter Library is the largest in Devon and a key community resource, attracting over half a million visits annually.
Reeve & McIntyre, who are both patrons of Libraries Unlimited, addressed attendees during the ceremony.
“There are decades of research showing that children who read for pleasure are more likely to be happier, healthier, do better at school and ultimately this leads to huge benefits in later life,” they said. “And it’s places and spaces like this new Clore Children’s Library here in Exeter where this reading journey begins.
“We’re personally delighted as authors, and as patrons of Libraries Unlimited, that through the hard work, vision and dedication of a whole load of people, that we can officially open this space with all of you here today. And this is a space for everyone to visit, enjoy, relax, discover and have their love of reading sparked.”
Philip Reeve, best known for the Mortal Engines series – later adapted into a major feature film – and the Utterly Dark trilogy, began his career as an illustrator before turning to writing. Sarah McIntyre, an illustrator and author, has produced picture books such as Grumpycorn , The New Neighbours , and Dinosaur Firefighters . Together, they have co-created a series of illustrated books including Oliver and the Seawigs , Pugs of the Frozen North , and the Adventuremice series.
Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve officially open the new Clore Children’s Library in Exeter (Credit: Submitted)
Councillor Cheryl Cottle-Hunkin, Devon County Council ’s Cabinet member for libraries and communities, also attended the opening.
She said: “This fantastic new children’s library, with its wonderful sensory area has been made possible thanks to the generous grant from the Clore Duffield Foundation and the support of local businesses. It’s inspiring to see what can be achieved for our libraries through the strength of community support.
“My thanks go to Rachel and the team at Libraries Unlimited, and to everyone who helped bring this project to life. The result is a truly inclusive space for all children and a brilliant example of how libraries continue to serve as essential, accessible educational and social hubs for communities across Devon.”
The library’s transformation comes at a crucial time. Government data for 2025 revealed that just one in three children aged eight to eighteen enjoyed reading in their spare time – the lowest figure recorded in a generation. Libraries Unlimited aims to reverse that trend by making books and reading experiences accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for all.
More information about Libraries Unlimited is available at www.librariesunlimited.org.uk. To support their work, visit www.librariesunlimited.org.uk/support-us.
