A STRIKING large-scale mural has been unveiled at Leicester’s Central Library – with the help of a best-selling author and local schoolchildren.
Children’s author Kiran Millwood-Hargrave - whose works include Julia and the Shark, which is featured in the mural - joined local young people and Qian Zephaniah to formally unveil Ayana’s Mural on Thursday 5th March, World Book Day.
Children and young people in Leicester have been nominating their favourite books to be represented in the mural, which is named after Leicester schoolchild Ayana, who tragically passed away in January 2023.
The mural – which winds up the library’s staircase – is the culmination of a visual art and reading project that’s been running since last autumn, capturing children’s creative ideas. It’s also being unveiled during the National Year of Reading, which aims to remind everyone of the benefits of reading for pleasure.
On World Book Day, children and young people who participated in workshops to help plan the mural were invited to Leicester Central Library for its official launch. Some of them were dressed as characters from their favourite books, including Harry Potter and Malory Towers. As well as viewing the finished work, they met Kiran and Qian and took part in storytelling sessions.
Yuki, Ayana’s mum, applied to Arts Council England for funding for the mural project. She said: “We are so pleased with the joy of reading and creativity this project has inspired in the children of Leicester. It feels like a truly fitting tribute to our beautiful, kind, and creative daughter.
“Libraries are such special spaces within our community — places to learn, to read, and to nurture mutual understanding and community spirit. We hope this mural will inspire others to do all of these things and stand as a lasting legacy within this wonderful space.”
Assistant city mayor for culture, libraries and community centres, Cllr Vi Dempster, said: “This stunning new mural is a lovely tribute to Ayana and a celebration of her life. Thanks to her family’s hard work and dedication, children and young people will be able to enjoy this inspirational artwork for many years to come.
“World Book Day and the National Year of Reading are all about spreading the joy of reading, and Ayana’s mural is a wonderful way to share her love of stories with everyone in Leicester.
“Our network of libraries across the city are a fantastic asset to our communities, with a regular programme of free and low-cost activities as well as access to information, support and lots of free resources. Just visit and join your local library to find out more.”
Kiran Millwood-Hargrave (pictured above right) said: “I never met Ayana, but my stories did. This what stories do – they connect us. Every time you read a book, you and the author are building a world together. I will think of Ayana every time I fall in love with a book.”
Evelyn was one of the children who took part in art workshops for the mural project, and was dressed as Darrell, her favourite character from the Malory Towers series. She said: “I love the mural!”
Ayana’s Mural was funded by a £14,500 National Lottery project grant from Arts Council England and by a £3,000 contribution from Leicester City Council’s Cultural Ambition Fund.
The National Year of Reading in Leicester is being backed by well-known local figures and organisations include Mr Shay, Leicester’s own poet laureate; Cbeebies’ Rebecca Keatley, LCFC football players and the Leicester Riders basketball team.
To find out more, visit www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries
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