A trail of 11 ‘book benches' have been revealed across town centre sites.
The project has been delivered by the Middlesbrough Libraries team working with community groups and schools to create the artistic works.
Each bench takes the form of an open book and each is adorned with artwork depicting a different children's story.
Visitors to the town can follow the trail and collect a letter from each to reveal a popular children's story character.
The book benches are located:
- Harry Potter & The Philosopher's Stone - Central Library
- The Hobbit - Central Library
- The Book Thief - Central Library
- Alice in Wonderland - Pineapple Black Gallery, Hillstreet Shopping Centre
- The BFG - Dundas Shopping Centre
- Charlotte's Web - Off The Ground coffee shop
- Dear Zoo - Waterstones
- The Gruffalo - Hillstreet Shopping Centre
- Holes - Middlesbrough Town Hall
- The Tiger Who Came to Tea - Mima
- We're Going on a Bear Hunt - Dorman Museum
Cllr Mieka Smiles, Middlesbrough Council's Executive Member for Culture and Communities, said: "With more and more time being spent on iPhones, tablets and electronic devices, these book benches are a fantastic reminder about the joy that can be found in reading together with children.
"But as well as that they give an extra reason to take in some of the most fantastic venues Middlesbrough has to offer throughout the summer."
The book bench trail is just one of the many brilliant things to do in Middlesbrough's sizzling Summer of Fun.
From massive summer events such as Mela, the Cleveland Show and Orange Pip Market to award-winning venues such as the Dorman Museum, mima and the Town Hall as well as outdoor favourites Albert Park, Stewart Park and Newham Grange Farm and Middlesbrough town centre's shopping offer there is something for everyone throughout the summer.
- To find out more about the book bench trail and events in Middlesbrough Libraries at www.middlesbrough.gov.uk/libraries. To find out more about all the activities in Middlesbrough's Summer of Fun visit www.lovemiddlesbrough.com.
