Wiltshire Libraries Go All In for National Year of Reading

Wiltshire Libraries are taking part in the National Year of Reading 2026, a UK-wide campaign designed to help more people rediscover their joy of reading and make it a natural part of everyday life.

The campaign – “Go All In” – focuses on reconnecting reading with things people already enjoy – from music, sport and film to food, creativity and family time – showing that reading doesn’t have to compete with modern life but can easily fit alongside it and help improve wellbeing.

Throughout 2026, Wiltshire Libraries will be hosting a wide range of events and activities aimed at bringing people together, sparking imagination and encouraging residents to discover or rediscover a love of reading. These include author talks, Big Library Reads, creative writing sessions and theatre events, with something planned for all ages and interests.

A number of authors, illustrators and creatives will be visiting libraries across the county during the year, including Dr Lucy Andrew, Rebecca Bagley, August Bloom, Rachel Brimble, Clare Chambers, David Clensy, Sophie Cleverly, Jacqueline Crooks, Rowan Foxwood, Matthew Harffy, Shohaib Ismail, Doug Naylor, Tom Palmer, Jenny Pearson, Hannah Richell, Fiona Robertson, LJ Ross, Kristina Stephenson, Jack Strange, Hana Tooke and Holly Webb – with more events to be announced.

As part of the programme, Wiltshire Libraries are also promoting Big Library Reads, a shared reading experience available to library members through the Libby app. The first title, Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts by Josie Shapiro, is available now as an eBook and Audiobook, free to borrow for library members.

Cllr Mel Jacob, Cabinet Member for Libraries, said: “Wiltshire Libraries are proud to be taking part in the National Year of Reading. It’s a chance to help more people rediscover their enjoyment of reading, and to show it can sit alongside the things people already do in everyday life.

“Throughout the year, our libraries will be hosting author talks, Big Library Reads and a wide range of events and activities for all ages – bringing people together and sparking imagination.

“Our Wiltshire Plan sets out an ambition for wider cultural participation and improved wellbeing. The National Year of Reading supports this by providing a national focus that will help Wiltshire Libraries reach more residents and broaden engagement throughout 2026.”

Details of Wiltshire Libraries' events running up to the end of March are available on the events page at https://libraries.wiltshire.gov.uk/what-s-on#/, with more activities planned throughout the year. Library staff and volunteers are also on hand to help anyone who would like support joining the library for free or accessing digital reading through the Libby app.

Further information about the National Year of Reading can be found at https://goallin.org.uk/