Book Sector
Help shape the nation’s reading culture in 2026
The National Year of Reading will shine a nationwide spotlight on stories and the people and organisations who create, publish, and champion them. Whether you write, draw, publish or sell books, your work already brings readers into contact with ideas that change lives.
In 2026, your influence can help even more people reconnect with reading through the things they love.
Why this matters
Reading is in decline
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Fewer people are reading for pleasure
Reading habits are weakening across all ages, and the knock-on effects are huge: reduced confidence, shrinking imagination and fewer chances to build the skills that support learning and wellbeing.
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Passions are the spark that reignites it
When reading meets the worlds people are already drawn to – music, nature, fashion, gaming, food, art – it becomes more relevant and meaningful. Passions show that reading isn’t separate from life; it’s woven through the things we love.
We need your support
Your stories spark imaginations. This year, they can spark change.
You create the worlds people escape into, curate the books that speak to their interests, and help readers discover new voices, genres and ideas.
In 2026, we’re shining a national spotlight on the power of stories and the people who create them. Helping you reach new audiences, re-engage lapsed readers and bring books and reading back to the centre of culture.
What you can do
Help reconnect the nation with stories
Whether it’s a post, a visit, a sketch, a conversation or a moment shared with readers, every action you take can help children and young people reconnect with the joy of reading.
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Create content themed around passions
Passions are the gateway into reading. If you’re releasing new work, this year is the perfect moment to link to the things young people already care about.
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Take part in national reading moments
Join in with events like World Book Day, World Book Night or the Summer Reading Challenge to reach new audiences when the country’s attention is on reading.
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Partner with schools, libraries and community
Collaborate on activities, visits or resources that bring your characters and ideas into places where young readers gather.
Authors & Illustrators
Helping you inspire even more readers
Creators play a powerful role in shaping how people connect with stories. After all, your books, poems, comics and characters spark imaginations long before a child ever calls themselves a “reader.”
Throughout the National Year of Reading, we’ll provide opportunities, guidance and practical tools to help you reach new audiences and share your craft in ways that feel natural to you.
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Download our Author and Illustrator toolkit
Everything you need to talk about the campaign clearly and confidently – from how to refer to it, to how to share it on social media.
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Run online and IRL events and workshops
Whether it’s a workshop, a Q&A, a drawing session people love to know how you work and it creates a stronger connection with your stories.
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Celebrate the creators who inspired you
Highlight books and artists that shaped your own journey. It strengthens the wider reading culture and encourages discovery.
Publishers & booksellers
Champion reading in your community
Publishers and booksellers sit at the heart of the UK’s reading culture – shaping discovery, curating stories and connecting readers with books that matter.
In 2026, we’ll equip you with tools, ideas and partnership opportunities to help you make the most of the national focus on reading.
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Access campaign messaging, assets and guidelines
Use our dedicated toolkit to brief teams, align your communications and refresh your content with clear messaging, brand assets and guidance tailored for the Year.
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Use the Booksellers Association Skills Hub
Find practical support for running events, creating displays, forming partnerships and reaching beyond your usual customer base.
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Mobilise your team to get behind reading
Take part in corporate volunteering days or create your own initiatives that champion reading. It’s a powerful way to give back and support the sector.
Calendar highlights
Moments that bring the whole book sector together
Each moment brings a surge of interest in books and storytelling. For everyone in the book sector, they’re ideal times to launch activity, spotlight titles, build partnerships and inspire more people to pick up a book.
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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
Connect with readers through local events and activities
Browse events across the UK where books, stories and creativity take centre stage. It’s an easy way to discover opportunities to participate, collaborate or simply show up and support your reading community.