Nothing Like a Book is a free weekend celebration of everything that books spark. It’s part of Penguin’s 90th birthday, taking place on Saturday 19th and Sunday 20th July at The Truman Brewery in East London. If you can't make it to London, check out the planned celebrations in Independent Book Shops across the UK.
Nothing Like a Book
Experience everything that books spark
Penguin is turning 90 – and we’re marking the occasion with a flagship event that celebrates how nothing comforts you, challenges the way you think, or sets your heart racing quite like a book.
On 19th and 20th July, we’re bringing our Nothing Like a Book weekender to The Truman Brewery in East London. This isn’t just a celebration of books; it’s a celebration of everything they spark.
Step into the Curiosity Studio, where cultural icons including Jacqueline Wilson, Munroe Bergdorf, Jordan Stephens and more will take to the stage for unmissable talks and workshops. Explore our Discovery Room, where books come to life through installations designed to soothe, empower, and thrill. With support from our partners MOTH Drinks and Crocs, there will be plenty of surprises throughout the weekend.
This is an open event, with free tickets available for the session of talks and workshops.
The programme
Saturday 19th July
The Stories that Stay with Us
with Jacqueline Wilson and Coco Omer
More than Just the Feed
with David Larbi, Jordan Stephens and Ben Hurst
Say It with Jibbitz™- Personalization workshop with Crocs™
with Anthony Delaney and special guest
Penguin x MOTH Party
(for ages 18+)
Sunday 20th July
Once Upon a Hustings
Bea Fitzgerald, Nadia El-Fassi and Sam Bradbury
Knowledge is the First Chapter
Munroe Bergdorf and Chanté Joseph
The Big Penguin Quiz
Penguin's take on a pub quiz
Nothing Like a Book
This is an open event, with free tickets available for the session of talks and workshops. Apply for tickets through the ballot now.
Our partners
Supported by
Nothing like a Book around the UK
We have partnered with a selection of independent bookshops across the UK, notable for their presence in the local community or social impact work, to extend the celebrations in July and across the summer.
- The Book Ends - Telford, Wales
- Forum Books - Corbridge, Northumberland
- Mostly Books - Abingdon, Oxon
- The Bookery - Crediton, Devon
- Afrori Books - Brighton
- The Folkestone Bookshop - Folkestone, Kent
- Drake the Bookshop - Stockton-on-Tees, Durham
- David's Bookshop - Letchworth, Hertfordshire
- No Alibis Bookstore - Belfast, Northern Ireland
- Wave of Nostalgia - Keighley, West Yorkshire
- Little Acorns Bookstore - Derry, Northern Ireland
To find out more about the celebrations in each bookshop, check out their website and social media for further information.
Frequently asked questions
Event information
What is Nothing Like a Book?
Do I need a ticket to attend?
Nothing Like a Book is split between two rooms. The Discovery Room, where books come to life through experiential installations, is a walk-in space that does not require a ticket for entry. The second room, the Curiosity Studio, features talks and workshops across the weekend. You must enter the ballot for free tickets to enter this space.
Where is the event taking place?
In The Truman Brewery, Brick Lane, East London. The address for the entrance is 19 Hanbury St, London E1 6QR.
Is the event free?
Yes! The entire weekend is free to attend, including talks and workshops (though these require a ticket secured through our ballot system).
Talks, workshops and ballot
How do I enter the ballot for Curiosity Studio talks/workshops?
Click the “Enter Ticket Ballot” button on this page and complete the form.
When does the ballot close?
Wednesday 2nd July 18:00 BST.
Can I enter the ballot for more than one session?
Yes, you can select multiple talks or workshops you’d like to attend. Tickets will be allocated based on availability.
When will I know if I’ve got a ticket?
Successful applicants will be contacted by Monday 7th July at the latest. Make sure to check your inbox (and spam folder). The tickets will come from the following email address: NLAB@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.
What if I don’t get a ticket - can I still attend the event?
Absolutely. The Discovery Room is open to all - no ticket required. Just turn up and explore.
Event experience
What can I expect from the Discovery Room?
A space full of installations inspired by books that soothe, empower, and thrill - including interactive exhibits and surprise moments.
Is the venue wheelchair-accessible?
Yes, the venue is accessible via wheelchair, there is a ramp into the space. If you require specific information or measurements, please email NLAB@penguinrandomhouse.co.uk.
Is the event family-friendly?
The Nothing Like a Book weekender is open to all, but attendees under 18s must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Some sessions (like the Penguin x MOTH party) are 18+.
