Supporting children's reading in Marlborough

Did you know that $1 from every ticket you buy to attend a session at the Marlborough Book Festival goes towards supporting reading among children in Marlborough? Since the inception of MBF, $1 from every ticket sold has been put straight back into our community – our aim is simple – raising literacy of children in Marlborough schools, either through book donations or connecting Marlborough kids with inspirational authors and illustrators. 

The Festival sponsors Blenheim School’s involvement in the Duffy Books in Homes programme. Pupils can choose at least five free books from a catalogue each year. The programme covers half the cost while participating schools seek sponsorship to cover the other half. The Trust has committed to paying $3,000 to Blenheim School over three years.

We hope you enjoy the knowledge that buying a ticket not only secures your chance to hear from a wonderful author but also helps children access books and authors. We call that a win-win! 

The MBF team x

Little Book Festival

As well, we are excited to launch ‘Little Book Festival’ in 2022, an offshoot of our traditional festival but with a focus on younger members of our book community in Marlborough. This year author/illustrators Melanie Drewery and Gavin Bishop will present their lives and work to Marlborough school children at the ASB theatre. Additionally authors Abbas Nazari, Ruth Shaw, Susan Paris and Kate De Goldi will be visiting children at several Marlborough schools prior to the festival.

Watch this space, Little Marlborough Book Festival is an exciting new event for young people in Marlborough and will only grow bigger and better every year!