Omar Mentesh, who spent nearly two decades in and out of prison, says a book he found in his cell first opened his mind to reading. He now runs Anabranch, a company that helps rehabilitate prisoners, and remains a keen book advocate.
Welsh singer Jamie Miller has become the first Welsh artist in 15 years to top the UK singles chart, with his viral hit Babydoll. The track grew after a TikTok dance trend and a boost from actress Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Miller said it was the biggest moment of his life.
The musical Matilda, which began as a Christmas production in Stratford-upon-Avon, is marking 15 years in London's West End. It has been seen by more than 12 million people worldwide and has won more than 100 international awards.
Libraries NI data shows which books Northern Ireland readers borrowed most over the past year, with thrillers, self-help titles and Harry Potter proving especially popular. Audiobooks outpaced physical loans, and young readers continued to enjoy classic series and stories.
