+44 (0) 1273 386849Prepare Your School Library for the UK's National Year of Reading 2026
In 2026, reading is back on the national agenda. The UK’s National Year of Reading invites us to reimagine how we connect children and young people with books – and with the joy of reading itself. But while national campaigns come and go, school libraries have always been there.
And for those of us working in, with, or around school libraries, the real work isn’t tied to a single year. At Simple Little Library System, we’ve always championed reading for pleasure in schools and communities, especially where resources are tight and time is short. Supporting the National Year of Reading 2026 is part of that work, but not the whole of it.
Our focus is long-term, practical, and rooted in what library staff can do with the tools they already have. One of the most powerful tools is the online library catalogue. Here’s how to use it now to prepare your school library for 2026 – and to build a reading culture that lasts long after the campaign ends.
Go All In with the National Year of Reading 2026
The theme of the 2026 campaign, Go All In, invites young people to read into the things they already care about. It’s a response to a real and urgent problem: reading for pleasure is in sharp decline, particularly among teenagers, and that decline has serious implications for education, wellbeing, and life chances.
But the solution doesn’t have to be complicated. It begins with making reading feel personal.
This gives school libraries a clear opportunity: to make reading feel personal, meaningful, and reflective of students’ identities and passions. It means moving beyond set texts and age bands, and instead showing learners that books exist about everything they already care about – from sport to science, gaming to graphic novels, make-up, and biography.
Your online library catalogue can help make those connections visible.
Use the Library Catalogue to Highlight What You Already Have
You don’t need a brand-new collection of books and other items; you just need to shine a light on what you already have. Organise it in ways that help children and young people discover their own unexpected gems. Some practical ways to begin:
- Create interest-led lists and subject headings in your catalogue system: think “Football Reads”, “Books for Gamers”, “For Young Environmentalists”, “Short and Funny”, “For Fans of…” – anything that reflects real student interests and how they talk about books.
- Highlight crossover reads that connect with hobbies and informal learning. Graphic novels, diaries, epic fantasy, sports bios, animals, manga and makerspace guides all count – and can be just as valuable as traditional fiction.
- Add simple recommendations or student reviews into catalogue entries where possible. A short quote or peer suggestion can make a book feel accessible and endorsed.
The goal is to help children and young people find themselves in the catalogue – not just see what’s available but feel that it’s for them.
Library Events to Celebrate National Year of Reading 2026
Now is the time to begin planning how your school library will participate in the National Year of Reading. Here are some ideas to consider:
- Develop a themed reading calendar for the year, linking to your catalogue lists each month. Themes could tie into the school curriculum, national events, or student interests – from Science Week to World Poetry Day, Mental Health Awareness to Black History Month.
- Build simple ‘reading journeys’ or passport-style challenges using your catalogue as the guide. Encourage students to try different genres, explore new topics, or read around a personal passion.
- Share catalogue lists with families and staff as printed reading menus, QR code displays, or via social media or school newsletters. Make it easy for others to support reading by giving them well-chosen, accessible recommendations.
Reading for Pleasure Is a Long Game
Reading habits don’t change overnight and they certainly don’t begin or end with a national campaign. Not every child will fall in love with reading straight away, but every child can come to see that literacy has a place in their world. When the school library reflects their interests, identity and curiosity, reading becomes less of a task and more of a choice.
That’s why it’s the quiet, consistent things that often make the biggest difference: a themed list in the catalogue, signage that speaks their language, a well-timed recommendation, or a book that catches the eye because it feels meant for them.
At Simple Little Library System, we believe in keeping it simple, affordable, and sustainable. We focus on the small shifts that are easy to manage, even with limited time and budget. By making your library catalogue more visible, interest-led and inviting, you create space for students to choose books for themselves – and that autonomy is powerful.
Your library doesn’t need to be loud. It just needs to be ready. A place where reading feels relevant, the collection reflects real lives, and discovery is only a click – or a shelf – away.
Next Steps and Further Resources on the National Year of Reading 2026
Next Steps
Start small and choose one catalogue-focused action to try this term:
- Create an interest-led list in your online catalogue
- Add a themed QR code display linking to your reading calendar
- Invite students to suggest or review books — and add their voices to the catalogue
- Share a catalogue list with staff or parents around a current topic or passion
These kinds of low-effort, high-impact steps can help reframe reading as personal, relevant, and part of everyday school life.
Further Resources:
- Literacy Trust Literacy Teaching Calendar 2025–26 – aligns reading themes with school year planning
- National Year of Reading official site – campaign themes, media kits and key dates
- SLLS Library OPAC – What is a library OPAC?
- Reading Agency Programme and Campaign
Library Glossary for School Librarians
As a school librarian, understanding key library terms is essential. Our comprehensive library glossary provides clear definitions to help you navigate the world of library science with confidence.
Download your free glossary here:
FAQs about Preparing Your School Library for the National Year of Reading 2026
1. What is the National Year of Reading?
The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign encouraging everyone to reconnect with reading – especially children and young people. With the theme Go All In, it aims to make reading feel relevant and joyful by linking it to real-life passions, interests and identities.
2. Where can we find tie-in events for our school library?
The Literacy Trust’s Literacy Teaching Calendar is a great place to start. It aligns national awareness days, curriculum themes and seasonal events with reading opportunities you can use for displays, promotions or catalogue lists throughout the year.
3. Where can we find more inspiration?
Browse the official campaign site, explore resources from trusted literacy organisations – and keep checking the Simple Little Library System blog. We’ll continue sharing practical, low-cost ideas to help you build a strong, sustainable reading culture.
Go All In with Your New Library Catalogue
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