Children's authors start new chapter in literacy in Exeter
Award-winning children’s authors Reeve & McIntyre officially opened the new Clore Children’s Library in Exeter last week. The new library was designed with children at its heart with local children being asked for their ideas for the space. The main funder of the redesigned space is the Clore Duffield Foundation and it features a brand-new sensory area, a floating mezzanine and activities for older children. Designed to be welcoming and accessible to all children and families, and championing interests, passions and their imaginations.
The ambitious project was undertaken by Libraries Unlimited, the charity commissioned by Devon County Council to operate the libraries in Devon. Exeter Library, the largest of the 50 libraries in Devon is a vital community hub, welcoming half a million visitors annually.
Sarah McIntyre and Philip Reeve delivered the speech together, saying: “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. 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 began his career as an illustrator and then went into writing; he is best known as the author of the critically acclaimed Mortal Engines series, which was adapted into a major feature film, and has recently written the Utterly Dark trilogy. Sarah McIntyre started out as an illustrator but has both written and illustrated many picture books including the Grumpycorn books, The New Neighbours and Dinosaur Firefighters.
Together they have collaborated on a number of highly illustrated books for younger readers, including the hugely popular Oliver and the Seawigs, Pugs of the Frozen North, and their newest series, Adventuremice. Philip and Sarah come up with the story and rough illustrations together, then Philip does most of the writing, and Sarah does the final artwork.
Cheryl Cottle Hunkin, Devon County Council’s Cabinet member responsible for libraries and communities, was also in attendance. She commented: “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 new library is designed to excite children and help to spark a love of reading. Recent government figures show that only 1 in 3 children aged 8 to 18 said they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025 – the lowest level in a generation. Libraries Unlimited’s goal is to change that and engage children across the county in reading for pleasure.
