A striking large-scale mural celebrating children’s love of books has been unveiled at Leicester Central Library with the help of a bestselling author and local schoolchildren.
Children’s writer Kiran Millwood-Hargrave, whose novel Julia and the Shark features in the artwork, joined young people and Qian Zephaniah to unveil Ayana’s Mural on 5 March to mark World Book Day.
Picture credit: Leicester City Council
Children across Leicester nominated their favourite books to appear in the mural, which winds up the library staircase. The project is named after local schoolgirl Ayana, who died in January 2023.
The artwork is the result of a visual arts and reading project launched last autumn, designed to capture children’s ideas and encourage creativity. Its unveiling also coincides with the National Year of Reading, which highlights the benefits of reading for pleasure.
Young participants who helped design the mural attended the launch at the library, with some dressed as characters from their favourite books, including Harry Potter and figures from Malory Towers. They met the author and artist and took part in storytelling sessions.
Ayana’s mother, Yuki, secured funding for the project from Arts Council England. She said the mural was a “fitting tribute” to her daughter and celebrated the creativity and joy of reading among Leicester’s children.
Assistant city mayor for culture, libraries and community centres Vi Dempster said the artwork would inspire young readers for years to come and highlighted the importance of the city’s libraries as community spaces.
Author Kiran Millwood-Hargrave added: “I never met Ayana, but my stories did. This is what stories do – they connect us. Every time you read a book, you and the author are building a world together.”
Ayana’s Mural was funded by a £14,500 National Lottery project grant from Arts Council England and a £3,000 contribution from Leicester City Council’s Cultural Ambition Fund.
Leicester’s National Year of Reading campaign is also supported by local figures including poet laureate Mr Shay, Rebecca Keatley, players from Leicester City F.C. and the Leicester Riders.
