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Supporting the National Year of Reading 2026
Going All In: How BookSpace is supporting the National Year of Reading 2026
The National Year of Reading 2026 – Go All In – is a nationwide campaign with a clear purpose: to help more children and young people see reading as relevant, enjoyable and part of everyday life.
At a time when reading for pleasure is declining and many pupils struggle to see themselves as “readers”, the campaign calls on schools, libraries and communities to reimagine what reading looks like — and how it feels.
It encourages us to move beyond reading as a purely academic skill and instead nurture it as a lifelong habit rooted in curiosity, identity and enjoyment.
For us, this focus couldn’t feel more relevant. Reading has always been at the heart of what we do. We design and deliver school libraries and children’s library spaces that help reading feel welcoming, inclusive and engaging.
Throughout the year, we’ll be sharing ideas, inspiration and practical resources for schools and libraries to inspire positive shifts in how young people think about reading.
Start with what young people love
At the heart of the Go All In campaign is a simple but powerful idea:
“If you’re into it, read into it”
Football, music, gaming, nature, fashion — whatever sparks a child’s interest can become the gateway into reading.
When pupils see that reading connects to who they are and what they care about, motivation follows naturally.
We see this reflected time and again in the libraries we design. Face-out shelves that highlight themed collections, displays that encourage ‘book talk’, and comfortable spaces that feel relaxed all help children engage with reading on their own terms – not because they have to, but because they want to.
Reading doesn’t just mean books
Another important message of the Go All In campaign is that reading doesn’t just mean books.
Reading includes stories, ideas and information in many forms — print, digital and audio. Graphic novels, lyrics, magazines, articles, podcasts, instructions, games and visual texts all count.
When these formats are recognised and valued, more children can see themselves as readers.
Through our work, we help schools create libraries and reading spaces that reflect this message by:
- offering ideas to display different types of reading material in engaging ways
- providing solutions that allow schools to create themed displays linked to pupil interest
- designing spaces that support shared reading, storytelling, listening and discussion
This year, we’ll be helping schools make all forms of reading feel valid and valued, so every child can find their own way in.
Why school libraries matter
Well-designed reading spaces do far more than look good. They actively shape how children interact with reading and how they feel about it.
An effective school library design can:
- encourage independent choice and exploration
- support reluctant or less confident readers
- provide calm, inclusive environments for pupils with SEN
- make reading visible, social and embedded in school culture
The National Year of Reading invites schools to look beyond one-off events and consider how their physical environments support reading every day. This is where thoughtful library design can make a lasting difference.
How BookSpace is supporting schools to ‘Go All In’
Throughout 2026, we’ll be supporting the National Year of Reading by sharing content and resources designed to help schools take practical, achievable steps — whatever their starting point.
At BookSpace, we know schools are busy and budgets are tight. That’s why we’ll be offering:
- More GIVEAWAYS – with some of our biggest prizes yet!
- FREE guides and blogs sharing expert advice on creating engaging reading areas.
- Cost-effective solutions to promote reading and help schools get involved in the campaign.
- FREE literacy resources for teachers and librarians, including:
- British Science Week (6th – 15th March 2026)
- World Cup literacy resource (June 2026)
- Regular themed booklists throughout the year
Each resource is designed to help schools embed reading into daily life — not as an add-on, but as a core part of their culture. To receive these free resources straight to your inbox, sign up to our mailing list here.
Our commitment to the National Year of Reading
The National Year of Reading is about more than just this year. It’s about creating habits, environments and cultures that last.
We’re excited to spend the year sharing ideas, celebrating schools that are already doing brilliant work, and supporting others as they take steps — big or small — to Go All In.
To find out more about the campaign, visit the official website here.
“The National Year of Reading campaign invites people to dive deeper into the things they already love through reading. This special year is a fantastic opportunity for us to strengthen our support for schools and continue our commitment to promoting a lifelong love of reading for every child.”
Christopher White, BookSpace Director
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