National Year of Reading 2026: UK Launches Campaign to Reignite Nation’s Love of Books

A Reading Revolution for a Digital Age

As the United Kingdom enters 2026, a bold new initiative is taking centre stage in the nation’s cultural landscape. The Department for Education has joined forces with the National Literacy Trust to launch the National Year of Reading 2026, with the aim of ‘reversing the trend’ and increasing the number of children and young people who enjoy reading in their spare time. This ambitious campaign comes at a critical moment, as recent data reveals concerning declines in reading engagement across all age groups.

The urgency behind this initiative is underscored by stark statistics. Reading for pleasure is linked to a range of benefits including stronger writing skills, improved wellbeing and confidence, and even higher future earnings, with new data showing those proficient in reading and writing in primary school earn £65,000 more over their lifetime, yet over a quarter of children are now leaving primary school without meeting the expected standard in reading. This challenge is even more pronounced for disadvantaged groups, making the campaign’s inclusive approach all the more vital.

Building a National Movement

Bringing together parents, schools, libraries, businesses and literacy experts, the campaign aims to foster a love of reading for pleasure in children and young people, ensuring all children get the best start in life. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has emphasised the importance of collective action, calling on parents to lead by example and make reading a daily habit.

This year’s theme is ‘Go All In’, which relates to how reading can connect you more deeply with the things you already love. The campaign extends beyond children’s reading, with BookTrust and over 30 organisations pledging their support, including major publishers and Arts Council England. School and community events are promised throughout the year, creating opportunities for widespread engagement.

Reading Trends Shaping 2026

The National Year of Reading arrives as global reading habits undergo significant transformation. As we move through 2025 and approach 2026, reading habits continue to evolve in ways that matter for libraries, publishers, and the wider cultural landscape. Despite the fast pace of digital life, readers are gravitating toward stories, formats, and communities that offer depth, comfort, and genuine connection.

Across many countries and age groups, reading is increasingly seen as a refuge rather than just a pastime. Readers are deliberately seeking out longer novels, reflective nonfiction, and even classic literature, not for academic purposes but for the sense of presence and calm these works create. After years marked by fragmented attention and quick-scroll consumption, slow reading is becoming a conscious counter-movement. This shift towards intentional, immersive reading aligns perfectly with the campaign’s objectives.

Implications for the Future

The success of the National Year of Reading 2026 could have far-reaching consequences for British society. Beyond the immediate educational benefits, the campaign addresses broader concerns about literacy, social mobility, and cultural engagement. CEO of the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas, stated that at a time when we are witnessing the lowest levels of reading enjoyment and daily reading in a generation, 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.

As the nation embarks on this reading revolution, the message is clear: whether through traditional print books or digital platforms, reading remains a fundamental skill and pleasure worth celebrating and protecting. For readers across the UK, 2026 promises to be a year of renewed engagement with the written word, offering opportunities to discover new stories, connect with communities, and experience the transformative power of reading for themselves.