National Year of Reading
The National Year of Reading 2026 is a campaign to address the steep decline in reading amongst children, young people and adults.
It is a Department for Education initiative, in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust, as their delivery partner of the campaign, and Barbican and Community Libraries are proud supporters of the campaign.
The National Literacy Trust believe reading is a powerful plug-in to the things you already love – a great way to go deeper into your existing passions, plus there are tons of benefits to reading - it stretches your thinking, sparks new ideas, helps develop empathy, improves your wellbeing and helps you discover the world around you.
Barbican and Community Libraries are asking you and the nation to Go All In and see how reading in all its forms can unlock more of what you love – whether it's music, baking, family time, films, sci-fi or... anything.
Whatever you're into, you’ll find your library is the perfect place to Go All In.
Every Kind of Reading Counts
Reading takes many forms – printed books, e-readers, magazines, blogs, fan fiction, football programmes, comics and audiobooks. Download free books, audiobooks, magazines and newspapers today with your library membership or access our online resources from home or in the library – a wide variety is on offer including humanities, science, art and music to help you delve deeper into what you love and Go All In.
National Year of Reading Events
See special events taking place in 2026.
Plus
Don’t forget about our regular library activities for children and our Collection Highlights to help you dive deeper into your passions.
Encouraging a Love of Reading
Check out the following links:
Book Recommendations for Children