2026 has officially been declared the National Year of Reading, a nationwide initiative led by the Department for Education in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. The campaign aims to reverse the decline in reading and inspire a lifelong love of books by engaging schools, families, and communities across the country.
At Devon Education Services, we’re proud to support this mission through our School Library Service, offering a wealth of resources and expertise to help schools make reading a central part of learning and everyday life.
Why the National Year of Reading matters
Reading is a cornerstone of education and personal development. This year-long celebration will encourage reading for pleasure, boost literacy skills, and create a culture where books are valued and enjoyed by all. The campaign focuses on key audiences, including:
- Parents of children under 5
- Boys aged 10–16
- Families from disadvantaged communities
How we can help your school
Our School Library Service has curated a comprehensive package of resources to make participation easy and inspiring:
- Month-by-month calendar of ideas – Packed with themes, book display suggestions, and activity ideas to keep reading fresh and exciting throughout the year.
- Booklists and class readers – Carefully selected titles for all age groups, including empathy reads, graphic novels, and themed collections.
- Topic boxes and advisory support – Ready-to-use collections and expert guidance to help you promote reading for pleasure.
- World Book Day competitions and events – Fun opportunities to engage pupils and celebrate books in creative ways.
Get involved
Whether you’re planning a whole-school reading challenge, creating vibrant library displays, or looking for expert advice, our team is here to help. Together, we can make 2026 a year where every child discovers the joy of reading.
Visit our National Year of Reading 2026 page to explore resources and start planning your celebrations today.
