Secretary of State announced 2026 as The National Year of Reading

NATIONAL YEAR OF READING

On Monday 7 July, the Secretary of State announced 2026 as The National Year of Reading, a nationwide campaign which aims to reverse the decline in reading for pleasure among children, young people and adults.

The National Year of Reading is a DfE initiative, in partnership with delivery partner, The National Literacy Trust (NLT). This summer, the NLT will distribute over 72,000 new books to children in areas with high poverty rates to support positive reading habits at home. Books will be distributed via the National Literacy Trust’s community hubs.

Children and families can head to their local library and join the Summer Reading Challenge, where children receive reading reward packs and can enjoy free events throughout the summer.

More details will be shared with schools in the Autumn term and you can also register your interest on the National Year of Reading website.