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 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.

Info: 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.

Info: Claire is a passionate advocate for diverse representation in children's literature. Her debut children's book Time Tub Travellers and the Silk Thief won the Reader’s Choice Awards in the Diverse Book Awards 2025, won the Ink Book Prize 2024 and was highly commended in the Selfies Book Awards 2025.

Diversity and inclusivity in children's literature is improving but it can still feel challenging to find the titles and build great collections in libraries and schools. In this session we'll explore where the industry is, the best places to find inspiration and we'll discuss and explore a selection of brilliant contemporary books and graphic novels from early chapter books through to young adult. From Black British history, to refugee stories, from kids living in poverty to South Asian representation, LGBTQ+ stories and neurodivergent protagonists. This session will be a chance to share the books you love and leave with a big list of new titles to explore.

Info: Helen Gill is the founder of HelloU Creative. She works with generative AI and augmented reality across business, creative, and educational projects, exploring how emerging technologies can support creativity, communication, and connection. Working alongside the Reel Creative team, she brings this practical and creative approach into educational settings.

In this future-focused session, educators will explore how generative AI is transforming communication, storytelling, and digital media. Participants will examine how AI-generated content - including text, images, audio, music, video, and digital presenters - is created and how it is influencing the way information is delivered and understood.

Accessible and discussion-led, this session provides inspiration and practical ideas for blending creativity with generative AI in the classroom, while building confidence in discussing AI in age-appropriate ways.

Info: Buy a book at The Rabbit Hole tent and meet local providers of services in schools and libraries at the 'Services Showcase' in the Big Top.

Info: This year Hull SLS celebrates their Centenary. For 100 years we’ve been working with schools to help children develop their love of reading. We’re the experts in children’s books and we’re proud to be leading the way in giving young people access to high quality texts, resources and experiences in schools.
Join us as we explore different strategies for encouraging all children and young people to ‘Go All In’ and enjoy reading for pleasure in your settings.

Info: Ben is Early Years Music lead and upper strings teacher for Musica Kirklees. He is also an Early Childhood methodology tutor and musicianship tutor for the British Kodály Academy and National Youth Choir of Scotland. He spent 15 years working as a children's librarian and regularly presents at conferences and delivers training on using songs and rhymes for Children Centre and Early Years staff as well as Children's Library professionals.

Songs and rhymes are our first introduction to the amazing world of language and literature. Join him for his practical workshop ‘Rhymers to Readers’, which will explore singing games, rhymes and stories for you to share with the children and families you work with.

Info: Matt was supposed to be a rock star and from the age of 13 was playing in bands and writing songs. When the music career failed to take off, he became a primary school teacher, and the songs became poems.
Matt’s writes poems about three things: his life, lives that he’s seen and stuff he makes up. Many of his poems focus on navigating the peaks and troughs of life, often touching on his own troubled upbringing.
Matt has performed his work at venues all over the UK and beyond including Shakespeare’s Globe, The National Theatre, Hay Festival, Cheltenham Festival and many more.
He has worked extensively with the National Literacy Trust, CLPE, the Premier League and is proud to be a National Poetry Day Ambassador.

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