Join us for a creative hands-on workshop where you can make your very own tactile book to take home.

We will start by looking at tactile books from the National Library's collection. You will discover what makes them fun and how the tactile parts can tell a story. Then it is your turn to create.

Using bumpy, ridged, squishy, and rough fabrics, card, and objects, you will use your fingers instead of your eyes and see where your imagination takes you.

This workshop is fun for everyone but is especially suitable for families with a child with additional needs. The workshop is aimed at a 3-years and older age range but younger siblings are welcome to come along.

About the workshop facilitator

Kate Leiper is an Edinburgh-based artist and book illustrator, fascinated by myths, folklore and legend and inspired by animals and nature. She graduated in printmaking from Gray's School of Art in Aberdeen, where she first began to explore how narrative, character and emotion are visually represented. This eventually led her to illustration. Her work is exhibited both nationally and internationally.

Accessible Book & Story Festival

The Accessible Book and Story Festival is the only one of its kind in the UK. It celebrates some of the amazing ways that books and stories are being made accessible for children with additional needs.

Accessible Book & Story Festival 2026

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Description supplied by the event organiser.