As the calendar flips over to the start of a new year, here at the National Literacy Trust we’ve got one question to ask you… are you ready to Go All In?
As the lead delivery partner of the National Year of Reading, we are excited to look ahead to a full year dedicated to (re)connecting people of all ages with reading and reimagining what it looks like to be a nation of readers.
We will explore how existing passions and interests can provide the springboard to (re)engage with books in all their forms.
If you’re into it, read into it – Go All In!
Reading is a way to connect, to share interests and to build on the hobbies and activities that you’re already into – from sport, music and fashion to food, video gaming and films. Reading can be a social activity; it can be the lynchpin of conversations and the reason someone falls more and more in love with their hobbies.
Reading doesn’t just have to be printed books. Although many a novel, autobiography or series of short stories have been devoured in print form, today’s readers are also discovering their next favourite authors, illustrators and creators through graphic novels, comics, audiobooks and e-books. And for individuals who wouldn’t typically identify themselves as a ‘reader’ – many children, young people and adults are regularly and joyfully poring over news stories, sports reports, song lyrics or fan fiction online.
During 2026, we want to fuel the curiosity of people of all ages to discover the books, topics and formats that they can enjoy and which fit with the culture they are already a part of to create a national conversation that brings together schools, communities, charities, businesses, libraries, booksellers, authors and illustrators and reignite a love of reading.
But what does this look like for you? You might be a teacher about to return to the classroom, a keen reader who already loves to chat about their favourite ‘must-read’ or the parent of a teenager who is deep into scrolling through matchday reports to boost their fantasy football team but doesn’t see themselves as a reader.
As we make our first steps into 2026, we’ve distilled a packed and exciting year into a helpful guide of 5 things you need to know about the National Year of Reading.
What do you need to know?
Explore ways you can support, (re)engage with reading, take part and spread the word this year - and beyond.
1. Everyone’s invited to Go All In.
Whatever you’re into, read into it. Then share your recommendations on social media and with your circle. Be an advocate for Go All In this year. Visit your local library and support your high street bookshop! Why not light up your group chat to pick apart the latest song lyrics from a recent album drop then share book recommendations that follow on from the sentiment of the lyrics? Or start a conversation in your staff kitchen, at the supermarket checkout or with your children to ask them what they love doing, what are their interests or passions and then encourage them to go deeper and read into them. You can also add your suggested top reads to the Hay Festival's 'Pleasure list'.
Share your book recommendations, favourite reads and Go All In journey on Instagram and tag in @Go_All_In_2026 so we can see what you’re into.
2. Schools and early years settings - bring Go All In to life in the classroom
Whether you’re an early years practitioner, primary or secondary teacher, school librarian or professional working in the education sector, every term you will have exciting new opportunities to take part in expert-led training, author events, big ‘Go All In Together’ national moments, like World Book Day and National Storytelling Week, and much more as we reframe what it means to be a reader starting in the heart of the classroom.
Make sure you visit our dedicated schools and early years settings page and sign-up to be kept up-to-date on new inspiring termly resources and event announcements.
3. Discover local events and get involved with what’s happening in your area
Throughout the year there will be events taking place across the UK from large scale moments and festivals to local events, activities and initiatives in your community. Reading can help you relax, have fun, connect with others and discover more about the things you love so visit the What’s On list to find an event near you, meet people who share your passions and share or discover a love of reading.
4. Volunteering is at the heart of 2026
You can help children and young people discover the joy of reading or adults to read for the first time by becoming a volunteer during the National Year of Reading. Be part of an incredible team to empower your community to Go All In.
Help us champion the many formats books and reading can take and help spark others’ love of reading by connecting it to the things people already care about.
Volunteering is for anyone who wants to make a positive difference in their community. From monthly ideas for how to use simple actions that fit easily around everyday life to a tool to help you find the right volunteering opportunities near you, there’s something for everyone this National Year of Reading.
Find out more about volunteering
5. We’re in this together
Partnerships are vital to the way we make change happen and this year is no different.
When influential people, leaders, businesses and community organisations champion a national campaign, people pay attention. Supporting the National Year of Reading through your work will give reading visibility, credibility and reach that no charity could achieve alone.
There are a numbers of ways to partner with and support the National Year of Reading from amplifying the campaign or becoming an official Pledge partner to sponsoring activity.
Discover information on how you can support Go All In by reading the FAQs or visit Get Involved on the website.
And what about beyond 2026?
The National Year of Reading isn’t just for one year – together, we are building a legacy.
Standing alongside organisations, charities, initiatives and literacy and education sector colleagues, the National Year of Reading will build on a long history of commitment to empowering and equipping children, young people and adults with the literacy skills and passion for reading that will support them to thrive.
The ultimate vision of the National Year of Reading is that more people see reading as a personally meaningful, modern and social activity and, beyond 2026, more people choose to read to pursue their interests, express themselves and participate fully in life. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to reinvigorate the nation’s relationship with reading.