2026 named as the National Year of Reading

Exciting news for readers of all ages! Our Chief Executive, Tabitha Witherick, represented our members at 10 Downing Street to celebrate the announcement that 2026 will be the National Year of Reading.

The Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Philipson, shared that the National Year of Reading 2026 will be a nationwide campaign to create enthusiasm and excitement around reading along with tackle the falling reading levels among children, young people and adults.

The campaign is led by the Department for Education and delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. Its goal is to make reading exciting and relevant for everyone, and to build a culture of reading across the country.

Reading is more than just a hobby, it improves supports success in school, work and life. It also boosts wellbeing, brings people together and builds empathy. By working together, schools, libraries, families and communities can help get the UK reading again.

Why reading matters?

Jonathan Douglas CBE, Chief Executive of the National Literacy Trust explained why this campaign is so important:

”The National Year of Reading 2026 presents an opportunity to join forces across sectors and redefine reading as a powerful, contemporary activity for a generation. Working closely with schools, families, libraries, communities and partners across the country, we will make reading a shared national mission – because every child, no matter their background, deserves the best start in life and every adult deserves to get the best out of life.”

Join the campaign

The National Year of Reading 2026 is more than just books, it’s about making reading a fun and meaningful part of daily life. With the theme of ‘Go All In’, everyone is encouraged to ‘Go All In’ and see how reading in all its forms can unlock more of what you love.