This year is the National Year of Reading in the UK. This is a year-long campaign, designed by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust to encourage people of all ages to discover the true joys of reading.
If you know anything about me, you’ll know how much I already love to read. It’s one of my favourite hobbies – give me a cup of tea and a good book, and I can wile away the hours!
So, what is the National Year of Reading? What does the National Year of Reading mean for book lovers in 2026? Let’s take a closer look.
What is the National Year of Reading?
Launched at the start of 2026 by the Department for Education, in collaboration with the National Literacy Trust, the National Year of Reading is a year-long campaign that aims to get people reading. It’s as simple as that!
It encompasses everything from local reading events to huge school initiatives. The benefits of reading – for both children and adults – can’t be denied. Reading can improve empathy, boost literary skills and bring so much joy to our lives.
The National Year of Reading was set up to combat the recent decline in reading for fun across the UK. It’s not about reading what you have to read, but reading what you want to read.
The initiative encourages people to pick up books that interest them, whether that’s comics about football or classic literature.
Through online and in-person events for people of all ages, the National Year of Reading raises awareness for the importance of reading, writing and sharing stories. It is supported by partners across the UK, including World Book Day, BookTrust and The Reading Agency.
11 ways to celebrate the National Year of Reading
There are so many fun ways to celebrate the National Year of Reading. From hosting a book-themed party to simply picking up a good book, I’ve put together 11 ways to get involved with the UK’s National Year of Reading in 2026.
1. Read
One of the best ways to celebrate the National Year of Reading is quite simple… read! Pick up your favourite novel or read something new. If you’ve taken a break from reading for pleasure – or you’ve never tried it – this is the perfect time to get started.
2. Go to your local library
Your library is an incredible resource! Plan a trip to your local library to pick out a few new books. You could donate to your library to keep it going or attend a National Year of Reading activity.
3. Host a murder mystery party
If you’re a crime fiction fan, a murder mystery party is a great way to celebrate the UK’s National Year of Reading. You and your friends can get back to what you really love about reading – the fun, drama and excitement that comes from sharing stories.
4. Volunteer for a National Year of Reading event
There are so many cool campaigns for the National Year of Reading. Local schools, libraries, workplaces and community hubs are getting involved to encourage people to read.
Volunteer your time, money or resources to help achieve the National Year of Reading’s aims.
5. Create a TBR
If you’re discovering (or rediscovering) the joys of reading, you’ll need to create a dedicated “to-be-read” list. You can note down all the books you want to read – and keep track of the books you’ve enjoyed this year.
Check out my blog for lots of book recommendations, including 5 books to read if you loved Bridgerton and my top 4 books to read in Pride month.
6. Go to a book club
There are so many great book clubs out there for avid readers. Meet up with friends for a casual book discussion or join your local group. You could all read the same book, or simply chat about your favourite novel.
7. Ask your workplace to get involved
Many workplaces and businesses are getting involved in the National Year of Reading 2026. You could encourage your company to sponsor the campaign or create resources about the importance of reading.
Even just adding a book swap shelf to your workplace will encourage people to get reading. It’s all about those little ways of showing the world why reading is so important.
8. Read along with friends
I regularly see read-alongs on Substack. These are a great way to share your reading experience with others, without the pressure of a monthly book group.
You can also create your own read-along with friends and family. Read the same book at the same time to discuss what the book and its characters mean to you.
9. Curate your feed
This year, I’ve turned to Substack as a place to connect with other book lovers and writers. Instead of doomscrolling, time on Substack feels gentle and enjoyable, but that’s only because I’ve curated my feed.
The algorithm shows me posts about books, writing and history. That’s it. It’s a calming and welcoming space that encourages me to hear about new books and share my own reading habits.
Take time to curate your social media feed to better reflect your reading interests. Think about how social media can help you further your creativity, rather than suck it all away.
10. Swap a book with a friend
I regularly lend or swap books with friends and family. It’s a great way to read lots of different books without buying them. You can celebrate the joys of reading and share your favourite stories – all on a budget!
11. Write a story
Use the National Year of Reading as an excuse to do a bit of writing for yourself. You can write a short flash fiction or finally get started on that novel idea that’s been rattling around your head for years.
One of the true joys of reading and writing is the ability to share stories. You can write about your own experiences, for your eyes only, or try to get your writing published. It’s up to you!
How are you celebrating the UK’s National Year of Reading? What do you enjoy about reading? Do you think it’s important to read, write and share stories?
Tell me all your thoughts in the comments below 🙂
Happy reading x
Not-So-Modern Girl 
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