Community Organisations
Help your community
Go All In
Community organisations like yours change lives every day, supporting people, strengthening communities and creating positive change where it matters most.
The National Year of Reading 2026 is here to help you build on that impact and get people reading again, with simple ways to weave reading into what you already do.
Why now?
A decline in reading is hurting communities
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Reading is slipping and the impact is real
Reading is dropping fastest in the very communities that face the biggest challenges. Children, teenagers and adults under financial, social or emotional pressure are reading less for pleasure, and missing out on the confidence, knowledge and opportunities it brings.
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Reading creates possibility
And it’s easier than many might think. When people can engage with stories and information in the formats that feel right for them – print, audio, digital or shared conversations – they gain confidence, agency and hope.
We need you
You’re trusted, local and make a difference
People come to you for support, connection and practical help. They listen to you, and they trust you. When you champion reading, it means something – and it will keep them coming back for more.
The National Year of Reading is a chance to deepen those connections and help people rediscover reading in all its forms. It can strengthen the impact you already make and improve outcomes that reach far beyond your setting.
Resources
Simple ways to make reading part of what you already do
The National Year of Reading is designed to sit around your existing work, not on top of it. Use these free tools in whatever way works best for your community.
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Help spread the word
A guide that includes background to the campaign, social media post examples, and suggestions of how to incorporate Go All In into your local community work.
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Support through volunteering
If your team has capacity, get involved in local reading projects or partner with schools and libraries to support events.
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Pledge your support
Your support inspires others to take part and strengthens the impact you already make inside your communities.
Ideas
Ways to make the National Year of Reading yours
Here are simple, ready-to-use ideas to help you add reading into everyday community spaces and activities, so it can be shared, enjoyed and discovered by everyone.
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Community bookshelves
Theme shelves to fit your setting: lyrics for music venues, cookbooks for cafés, sports magazines for match days, or quick reads for waiting rooms.
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Start a reading group
Create groups around what your community loves: local stories, niche passions, or favourite authors – from lyric discussions to classic car reads.
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Host read-aloud sessions
Run relaxed listening moments using poems, lyrics, short stories, sports commentary or monologues – whatever fits your audience.
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Spotlight reading stories
Share real reading habits through newsletters or social posts – from audiobook fans to families enjoying match-day programmes.
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Recipe reading stations
Set up a small table with recipe cards or cookbooks, plus QR codes linking to free online recipes and nutrition tips.
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Team reading challenges
Encourage players to read sports articles or motivational books and share takeaways – great content for social too.
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‘Read while you wait’ walls
Turn waiting areas into mini reading zones with excerpts, quotes, lyrics or comic strips displayed on walls or screens.
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Podcast listening parties
Choose inspiring podcasts and host simple listening-and-discussion sessions in youth or community groups.
2026 highlights
When the nation reads together, your community can too
There are a number of moments throughout the year where there will be an increased focus on reading throughout your community.
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2–8 February
National Storytelling Week
A joyful celebration of the power of sharing stories. This year's theme for schools is 'Soundtrack your Story’
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5 March
World Book Day
The reading for fun charity, World Book Day inspires children everywhere to enjoy the life-changing benefits of reading for fun.
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23 April
World Book Night
On the UNESCO International Day of the Book, a celebration of reading for adults. Pick up one of this year's Quick Reads.
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1–7 June
Volunteers Week
A week-long celebration and recognition of the incredible impact of volunteering in communities, schools and libraries.
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July–September
Summer Reading Challenge
Partnering with Universal Music Group UK, this year's challenge is themed 'Read to the Beat!'
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10 October
Take 10 to Read
On World Mental Health Day, take 10 minutes to read to relax, boost your mood or escape for a moment.
Events Calendar
A busy year of events for your community
Our events calendar is a simple way to see what’s happening locally and to spot opportunities that could work for your groups, sessions or centres.
Your local library
Libraries are one of your strongest allies
Libraries don’t just offer books, they offer free, welcoming spaces where the people you support can explore stories, ideas and information in whatever form speaks to them.
Whether it’s football stats, craft ideas, wellbeing resources or picture books for young families, libraries help people follow what they already love – often right on their doorstep.
And, partnering with your local library helps us reach the shared goal of one million more people actively using libraries in 2026.
