Haringey Biblio-Buzz 2026: Books, Events, Prizes (Haringey, 2026)

Key Points

• Young children across Haringey are reading, relishing, and reviewing six shortlisted books for the 2026 Alexandra Palace Children’s Book Award, known as Biblio-Buzz.
• Shortlisted titles: Anna James’ Chronicles of Whetherwy: The Age of Enchantment, Patrice Lawrence’s People Like Stars, Anthony McGowan’s The Beck, Lesley Parr’s Fallout, Tom Percival’s The Wrong Shoes, and J.P. Rose’s Birdie.
• Activities include a book cover drawing competition at Hornsey Library for ages 8-13, closing 25 April 2026.
• Reviewers’ Club at St Ann’s Library on 25 April 2026 (11am-12noon, ages 9-12) for discussing the books.
• Submit reviews online or via paper forms for prizes like book bundles, Alexandra Palace Boating Lake tickets, and ice rink skating.
• World Book Night coffee morning at St Ann’s Library on 23 April 2026 (11am-12noon) with Quick Reads, followed by a book club on 28 May 2026.
• Stephen Lawrence Day events: BBC documentary The Stephen Lawrence Story at Hornsey Library on 21 April 2026 (5:30pm-6:30pm, 18+), and Stephen (2021 drama, cert. 15) at Marcus Garvey Library on 22 April 2026 (2pm-4:30pm), plus a curated display.
• Closing ceremony on 16 May 2026; 2026 is the National Year of Reading with the ‘Go All In’ campaign.
• Library details and brochure available via Haringey Council websites.

Haringey, London (North London News) April 8, 2026 – Libraries and schools across Haringey are alive with excitement as young children engage with the shortlisted books of the 2026 Alexandra Palace Children’s Book Award, dubbed Biblio-Buzz.

What Is the Biblio-Buzz Competition and Which Books Are Shortlisted?

The Biblio-Buzz initiative, part of the Alexandra Palace Children’s Book Award, has young children from across Haringey continuing to read, relish, and review a shortlist of six books. As detailed in the official Haringey Council libraries announcement, the 2026 entries include Anna James’ Chronicles of Whetherwy: The Age of Enchantment, Patrice Lawrence’s People Like Stars, Anthony McGowan’s The Beck, Lesley Parr’s Fallout, Tom Percival’s The Wrong Shoes, and J.P. Rose’s Birdie.

These titles have lived up to their billing of “creating a buzz about books,” with children actively participating in related activities.

The competition encourages widespread involvement in the lead-up to the closing ceremony on Saturday, 16 May 2026. Hornsey Library is hosting a book cover drawing competition open to children aged eight to 13. Entrants are invited to design their own book cover inspired by this year’s titles, using imagination, colour, and personal creativity.

The competition closes on Saturday, 25 April 2026, with organisers expressing anticipation for the submissions.

What Events Are Planned at Haringey Libraries for Biblio-Buzz?

A Reviewers’ Club event takes place at St Ann’s Library on Saturday, 25 April 2026, from 11am to 12noon, suitable for ages 9-12. Children can discuss the six shortlisted books and share their thoughts with librarians. Additionally, participants can win prizes by submitting reviews of the books.

An online submission form is available at a designated Microsoft Forms link, or children can request a paper review form from their local librarian.

The more reviews submitted, the greater the chances of winning prizes, which include book bundles, tickets for the Boating Lake at Alexandra Palace – known locally as ‘Ally Pally’ – and skating sessions at the Alexandra Palace Ice Rink.

These activities align with 2026 being designated the National Year of Reading, where residents are encouraged to ‘Go All In’ via the campaign website, regardless of their interests. To mark World Book Night, St Ann’s Library will host a coffee morning on Thursday, 23 April 2026, from 11am to 12noon. Free Quick Reads titles will be distributed, with a follow-up special book club scheduled for Thursday, 28 May 2026, to discuss them.

How Are Haringey Libraries Commemorating Stephen Lawrence Day?

Haringey libraries are also addressing Stephen Lawrence Day on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, with targeted screenings and displays. Hornsey Library will screen the BBC documentary The Stephen Lawrence Story on Tuesday, 21 April 2026, from 5:30pm to 6:30pm, suitable for those aged 18 and over.

Marcus Garvey Library will show the 2021 three-part drama Stephen (certificate 15) on Wednesday, 22 April 2026, from 2pm to 4:30pm. A curated display at Marcus Garvey Library during this period will feature posters linking to online articles and resources to raise awareness of Stephen Lawrence’s passing.

Where Can Families Find More Details on Haringey Library Events?

Full details on library opening times, including digital offerings such as audiobooks, digital magazines, e-books, and newspapers, are available on the Haringey Council libraries website. For a comprehensive list of activities and events for adults, children, and families across the borough’s libraries, families can download the ‘What’s On in Libraries’ brochure from the libraries.haringey.gov.uk news page.

The Biblio-Buzz programme reflects Haringey Council’s ongoing commitment to literacy and community engagement, particularly through its network of libraries.

Hornsey, St Ann’s, and Marcus Garvey libraries serve as central hubs for these events, drawing in families from various parts of the borough, including Wood Green, Tottenham, and Crouch End.

The integration of competitive elements like the drawing contest and reviewers’ prizes aims to foster creativity and critical thinking among participants.

Library staff have noted strong interest in the events. The book cover competition at Hornsey Library emphasises originality, requiring no specific materials beyond basic art supplies. The Reviewers’ Club at St Ann’s provides a structured forum for peer discussion, helping children articulate their responses.

Prizes for reviews add incentive: book bundles feature multiple titles, while Alexandra Palace attractions like the Boating Lake and Ice Rink offer family outings. The National Year of Reading context amplifies these efforts, linking local initiatives to a broader national push for reading habits.

Background of the Biblio-Buzz Development

The Alexandra Palace Children’s Book Award, branded as Biblio-Buzz, originates from Haringey Council’s libraries service in partnership with Alexandra Palace. It promotes children’s literature through school and library involvement, with annual shortlists selected by young readers.

The 2026 edition coincides with the National Year of Reading, enhancing its scope via the ‘Go All In’ initiative. Libraries like Hornsey, St Ann’s, and Marcus Garvey have hosted similar events historically, integrating literacy drives with cultural observances such as World Book Night and Stephen Lawrence Day.

Predictions: Impact on Haringey Families and Children

This development can affect Haringey families and children by increasing access to free literary events and prizes, encouraging reading habits through competitions and clubs. It provides creative outlets like drawing contests, potentially boosting artistic skills, while review submissions offer rewards tied to local attractions, promoting family outings.

Educational tie-ins, such as Stephen Lawrence Day screenings, deliver awareness resources. Digital and paper options ensure broad participation, supporting the National Year of Reading goals without mandating attendance.