Go all in for the National Year of Reading

2026 is the National Year of Reading.

 

Led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust, the National Year of Reading aims to take dullness and routine out of reading. Along with other libraries across the land, we’ll be seeking new ways to boost reading for pleasure, by linking reading to people’s existing passions.

 

Are you into music? Games? Films? We can find reading that matches your hobby, your interest or your mood.

 

Look out for new events and initiatives from Essex Library Service coming your way this year. 

 

Key events already arranged (all free of charge) include:

 

For adults: Adult Reading Bingo 

For children of all ages: Winter Reading Challenge ‘The Pawfessionals’ 

For children aged 6-10: ‘Michael the Amazing Mind-Reading Sausage Dog’, author event with Terrie Chilvers at Shenfield and Chelmsford Libraries, 21 February

For preschool children and their parents and carers: Celebrate National Storytelling Week (31 January to 8 February) with a storytime at one of our libraries

For children aged 3-6: The Very Hungry Caterpillar story and craft session at Hullbridge Library, 31 January

 

Explore resources on the National Year of Reading website.

 

If you’re into it, read into it!