Children and families are invited to a special storytelling session at Colchester Library during the October half-term.

Lepra historian Irene Allen will host a session focusing on Maria’s Island, written by award-winning author and Lepra Ambassador Victoria Hislop and illustrated by Gill Smith.

Published by Walker Books, the story is set in 1940s Crete and follows a family affected by leprosy as they face and overcome the challenges they encounter.

The event forms part of the New Face for Leprosy exhibition at Colchester Library, which uses photography and material from Lepra’s archives to challenge misconceptions about leprosy and tell the stories of people affected by the disease.

The storytelling session takes place on Friday 30th October 2026.