Criminal Justice Sector

A national focus on reading across the estate

The National Year of Reading 2026 offers a rare opportunity to expand access to reading across the custodial estate.

With low literacy levels and restricted materials, this national focus can help strengthen provision and support the work already happening in your setting.

With support and inspiration, we're here to help you bring the campaign to life and leave a legacy that lasts well beyond 2026.

Bookshelves in a library with books arranged upright

Why it matters

A decline in reading 
is felt across the whole sector

  • Negative experiences are all too common

    Many people in prison have had difficult relationships with reading, often shaped by negative experiences of school or limited access to age-appropriate material. With 61% of the prison population reading below Level 1, confidence and skill levels vary widely, and resources are frequently stretched. In a setting where reading can be a powerful tool – it’s not always easy to access or encourage.

  • Literacy as a positive foundation

    Reading offers calm, focus and escape – benefits that have a meaningful impact on wellbeing in custody. It also helps build routine, confidence and alternative routes to education and skills programmes. Shared reading activities can strengthen peer relationships and build positive connections between staff and people in prison.

Two adults sitting at a table and studying or reading together

How we can help

A national focus creates space for change

Throughout 2026, the National Year of Reading will bring fresh attention, resources and collaboration to the importance of reading.

For prisons, education teams, libraries and charities, it provides an opportunity to build on existing strategies, support rehabilitation aims, widen provision, and strengthen on-wing activity to address the growing literacy gap in the prison population. A chance to come together as a sector to celebrate existing work and call for lasting change.

Bookshelf in a library showing books and section dividers, with the one in focus reading Internet

Ideas

How you can take part in the National Year of Reading

Here are six practical ways prisons, libraries, education providers and anyone connected to the Criminal Justice Sector can engage with the National Year of Reading.

  • Enhance access to 
reading materials

    Work with prison staff, libraries and partner organisations to expand availability of engaging, accessible materials and resources for all reading levels. Including magazines, Quick Reads, audiobooks and graphic formats.

  • Embed a culture of reading with bespoke resources

    Introduce short, simple reading activities that fit around the realities of the setting. Time-buster activity sheets, quiet reading time, shared reading moments on wing, or themed displays in the library.

  • Become a Literacy 
Champion

    Become a Literacy Champion as part of your role in prison or secure settings. Help build positive relationships, encourage peer-to-peer support, and strengthen your setting's reading strategy across wings and units.

  • Connect reading to 
wellbeing and family time

    Offer opportunities to share books with family, using reading as a way to connect with children, especially during family days and visits.

  • Collaborate with 
partner organisations

    Charities, publishers and arts organisations are working across the custodial estate to deliver the National Year of Reading. Collaborate, share expertise and celebrate the work being delivered.

  • Take part in national and sector moments

    Use key dates such as World Book Day or Volunteers Week to organise events, displays and discussions that raise the profile of the National Year of Reading across the estate.

Research & Insights

What research tells us about reading in custody

A growing body of work shows that reading can boost wellbeing, deepen family connection and increase engagement with education and skills.

Get involved

Work with us to strengthen reading across the estate

Whether you’re interested in running activity, accessing resources, or partnering on reading initiatives, you can reach 
out directly to discuss what’s possible.

Email us
Lady lying on a sofa reading a book wearing a sweatshirt