A young member of Reading Beez – Barking and Dagenham Libraries’ flagship literacy and reading programme – took centre stage during the recent royal visit to Barking and Dagenham, showcasing how reading can unlock creativity, confidence and digital skills. On 18 February 2026, Parth Tikarya, aged 9, who attends St. Margaret’s School in Barking, met Queen Camilla during Her Majesty’s visit to Barking Learning Centre (BLC) Community and Family Hub. Parth proudly shared how his love of reading, nurtured through Reading Beez and regular library use, inspired him to explore technology and create his own computer game. Parth has been an enthusiastic member of Reading Beez since October 2023. Over that time, he has read nearly 100 books, spanning a wide range of genres including fiction and non‑fiction. Through the programme and his local library, Parth has built strong reading habits and a genuine love of books. A recent visit to Barking Library, where a new collection of books on artificial intelligence was on display, sparked Parth’s curiosity about how technology works. After enjoying these books, he reserved many others on AI and computing and used them to teach himself the basics of programming, including Scratch and Python.During the royal visit, Parth used his laptop to deliver a short presentation to Queen Camilla, explaining how he had designed a game using knowledge gained entirely from library books. He described how reading helped him understand coding concepts and turn ideas into something he could build and share. Her Majesty also asked Parth about his favourite fiction, to which he responded with enthusiasm, naming Harry Potter and books by Roald Dahl as his top choices. Parth’s story is a powerful example of the impact of Reading Beez, Barking and Dagenham Libraries’ flagship programme designed to develop confident, enthusiastic readers from an early age. By combining reading for pleasure with access to diverse collections and supportive library spaces, the programme helps children build skills that extend far beyond literacy. His achievement also reflects the borough’s wider commitment during the National Year of Reading 2026, with the shared ambition:“To make Barking and Dagenham a place where everyone reads, every day, in every space.” As Barking and Dagenham continues to invest in libraries, literacy and community‑led learning, Parth’s journey highlights what is possible when young people are supported with access to books, encouragement and inspiring programmes like Reading Beez.

Barking and Dagenham proudly welcomed Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla for a special visit that shone a national spotlight on the borough’s work to champion literacy, creativity and community wellbeing. The royal visit highlighted the strength of local partnerships, the borough’s emerging film sector, and the ambitious vision to make reading a daily habit for everyone. Hosted at the Barking Learning Centre Community and Family Hub, Their Majesties met residents, volunteers, community groups and creative organisations who together are driving positive change across Barking and Dagenham. From reading and digital skills to arts, health and family support, the visit showcased how locally designed, community-led programmes are widening opportunities and improving quality of life for residents of all ages. Celebrating local stories of creativity, opportunity and inspiration The royal couple were introduced to a series of heartfelt and inspiring showcases reflecting the borough’s impact: A young digital innovator, whose love of reading and technology inspired him to use AI tools to code a story based on a book he read. His project represents the borough’s commitment to blending literacy with digital creativity to prepare young people for the future. A local author, who proudly shared her journey to publishing her first book through Pen to Print – Barking and Dagenham’s award‑winning writers’ development initiative. Pen to Print has enabled hundreds of aspiring writers from underrepresented backgrounds to find their voice, develop their craft and see their work in print. Children’s activities led by a dedicated community volunteer, a father who once attended the very same sessions with his own children. His passion for giving back and fostering early literacy was supported through funding from the BBC, enabling him to expand activities and reach more families across the borough. Each story highlighted how Barking and Dagenham’s libraries and community hubs empower residents to lead, create and shape services that respond to local needs. A shared ambition: A borough that reads every day The visit comes during the National Year of Reading 2026, an important milestone in the borough’s long-term mission to improve literacy levels and close inequalities. Barking and Dagenham’s motto for the year – “To make Barking and Dagenham a place where everyone reads, every day, in every space.” – reflects a borough-wide commitment: schools, libraries, community groups, cultural partners and residents working together to build a reading culture that lasts for generations. From doorstep reading campaigns and library outreach, to digital learning, intergenerational storytelling and creative programmes, the borough is using literacy as a tool to boost confidence, wellbeing and opportunity. Visit our National Year of Reading 2026 webpage for more information: https://libraries.lbbd.gov.uk/digital-content/national-year-of-reading A community proud and inspired The presence of Their Majesties was warmly received by residents and volunteers who dedicate countless hours to supporting their neighbours. Their visit underscored the importance of local voices, grassroots leadership and collaborative partnerships at the heart of Barking and Dagenham’s transformation. As the borough continues to grow its creative industries – including an expanding local film sector – and invest in community wellbeing and education, the royal visit marks a significant moment of recognition and pride. Barking and Dagenham looks forward to building on this momentum throughout the National Year of Reading and beyond, ensuring everyone has the opportunity to read, learn, create and thrive.

Barking and Dagenham Libraries, in partnership with Ekota Academy, are proud to launch the Digital Inclusion Project – a programme designed to help local residents get connected, gain confidence with technology, and access essential digital services. This initiative is fully funded by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT). Across our libraries, new Digital Inclusion Hubs are now open, offering free support, loan devices, and guidance for anyone who wants to build their digital skills. For full details, please visit the libraries website. Borrow a Laptop or Tablet As part of the project, residents can now borrow laptops and tablets for free through our new Device Loan Scheme. Whether you need to apply for a job, help your children with homework, manage your finances, or learn new skills, having access to the right device can make a real difference. Library Membership Is All You Need To borrow a device or access digital skills help, you must be a library member. Membership is free, quick, and easy. As a member, you can: Borrow a laptop or tablet Access free data packages Attend digital skills classes Get support from trained Digital Champions Use library computers and Wi‑Fi Enjoy all other library services and activities Not a member yet?Just speak to staff at any participating library, and we’ll help you join – or you can sign up online in minutes. What the Project Provides Our Digital Inclusion Project has been designed to support the community in multiple ways: 📘 Digital Skills Training Free classes for beginners and learners who want to build confidence using computers, smartphones and the internet. 🙋 Digital Champions Friendly, trained volunteers available in libraries to offer one‑to‑one help with everyday digital tasks. 📶 Free Data Packages 1,200 data packages available for residents who need help staying connected at home. 💻 Device Loan Scheme Borrow laptops and tablets from your local library – ideal for learning, job‑seeking, online applications and staying in touch. Why Digital Inclusion Matters Digital inclusion ensures that everyone—regardless of age, background or experience—can use technology confidently, safely and independently.This means having: The skills to navigate the online world The devices needed to learn, work and connect The internet access required to stay online A digitally included community can apply for jobs, access public services, support children with schoolwork, stay connected with family, and manage everyday tasks more easily.

MMRV is now part of the NHS routine childhood vaccination programme, replacing the MMR vaccine. It protects against measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox. Chickenpox is very common and can sometimes lead to serious complications, so vaccination helps reduce the risk of serious illness as children grow. You don’t need to do anything — your GP will be in touch when your child is due. 🔗 https://nhs.uk/mmrv

Looking for fun, healthy, and exciting things to do during the winter holidays? Barking and Dagenham’s Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) Programme is here! From sports camps and dance workshops to creative arts and adventure activities, there’s something for every child and young person. Each session includes a healthy lunch, so you can enjoy a great day out while staying active and nourished. 📅 Dates: 30th March – 10th April🎯 Age Groups: 4 to 16 years📍 Venues: Across Barking and Dagenham ✅ Book your place now: https://lbbd.gov.uk/HAF Spaces are limited – don’t miss out!  

📚 Introducing The Book Exchange! 🌍Share a book. Take a book. Love the planet. 💚 Got a book you’ve finished reading? Leave it on our Book Exchange shelf and pick up a new story to enjoy – for free! By swapping books, you’re not just sharing stories – you’re helping the environment: ✅ Reducing waste✅ Cutting down on paper use✅ Giving books a second life Find a Book Exchange shelf at: 📍 Dagenham Library and Family Hub 📍 Barking Learning Centre Community and Family Hub 📍 Valence Library Community Hub 📍 Thames Community Hub 📍 Chadwell Heath & Whalebone Community Hub 📍 Marks Gate Community and Family Hub 📍 Discovery Centre, Eastbrookend Country Park Let’s read, share, and recycle together! 🌱 More information at https://libraries.lbbd.gov.uk/digital-content/libraries/book-exchange