Burnley’s Favourite Books
About the Project
At its heart, this project is a celebration of our love of reading in Burnley.
From the books we return to time and time again, to the magazines we pick up each month, to the stories we can’t put down late into the night, reading takes many forms. It opens up new worlds for us to explore and understand, and brings something back with us into our everyday lives.
This project brings together visual art, creative writing, and community participation to celebrate the power of a good story, and the role it plays in connecting us to ourselves and to each other.
The Murals
At the centre of the project are two portable murals, created with communities across Burnley.
One is a quilted textile artwork by Natasha Emily Lynch, developed through workshops with local groups. The piece explores the sense of escapism that comes with getting lost in a really good book.
The second, created by Myro Doodles, is a vibrant illustrated mural celebrating children’s literature. Made with families and young people from across Burnley, it captures the joy, imagination, and early memories that stories can spark.
Both artworks are designed to travel. As they move between venues across Burnley, they invite people to pause, take a moment, and lose themselves in a good read, whatever that might look like for them.
Creative Writing
Alongside the murals, a growing collection of creative writing by local writers is on display.
Each piece has been inspired by a favourite book, or a story that has stayed with the writer over time. Together, these submissions form a collective reflection on the stories that shape us, comfort us, and stay with us.
This is an ongoing call out. The exhibition will continue to grow, and new voices are always welcome. Find out how to submit a piece here.
World Book Night
The project was first unveiled on World Book Night at Burnley Central Library, where writers, artists, and community participants came together to celebrate a shared love of storytelling.
The evening featured live readings from local writers, insights from the artists behind the murals, and music from a local musician, creating a warm and welcoming space to connect through stories.
A Shared Love of Stories
Running through everything is a simple idea: stories matter.
They help us make sense of the world, offer moments of escape, and create shared experiences between people who might otherwise never meet.
As part of the project, we are also building a growing list of Burnley’s favourite books. You can explore the list and add your own, contributing to a collective portrait of the stories that matter most to our community.
