National Year of Reading 2026

Start a new chapter - 19 January to 12 April 2026

The National Year of Reading is the perfect time to discover, or rediscover, the joy of reading. That it is we’ve launched a brand-new adult reading challenge. It is simple, free, and open to anyone aged 18 or over, with a library card.

Choose four books, one for each category, and read or listen in any format you prefer. 

Complete the challenge and you will be entered into our prize draws - there will be a winner in every library, plus a countywide reading hamper up for grabs.  

The four categories are:

• a book you have read before
• a book under 250 pages
• a non-fiction book about a hobby or interest
• a book published in 2025

Pick up an entry form in any library. 
 

From themed displays and book clubs to workshops, author events and community pop-ups, there will be activities all year designed to help you get to read what you love.

The key events this year are:

• World Book Day, 5 March 2026
• World Book Night, 23 April 2026
• the Summer Reading Challenge, summer 2026

This page will be updated throughout the year with further details.

To help spread a love of reading and reach new audiences, we are working with:

• schools
• charities
• local businesses
• arts and sports organisations
• health partners and more 

If you are interested in working with us through events, displays, outreach, shared messaging or community engagement, we would like to hear from you. 

For more information, please contact us.