National Centre for Children’s Literature to Close Amid Funding Crisis

The National Centre for Children’s Literature, located in the historic Moat Brae house, will close its doors this Friday due to financial difficulties, just five years after its renovation was unveiled by Dame Joanna. The trustees expressed their sorrow over the decision, with Dame Joanna stating she is "heartbroken" and emphasizing the importance of literature in education and escapism for children. She hopes a solution can be found to preserve the legacy of J.M. Barrie, the creator of Peter Pan. Moat Brae, built in 1823, was once a luxurious family home but fell into disrepair by the late 2000s. The property was saved from demolition thanks to a dedicated campaign led by local advocates, including Allen Paterson, a neighbor and former curator of Kew Gardens. The campaigners formed the Peter Pan Moat Brae Trust (PPMBT) in 2009, with Dame Joanna as their patron, and successfully raised £8 million in funding to restore the house to its original state. The vision for the center was to create a space where children could develop a love for reading, particularly those who struggle with literacy. Mr. Davidson, a representative of the trust, highlighted the importance of making reading accessible to all children, regardless of their abilities. Despite the center's closure, the hope remains that the spirit of Barrie's "Neverland" will continue to inspire future generations.