Local authority library services across England are set to benefit from up to £150,000 in new government funding as part of the National Year of Reading 2026, supporting shared public spaces that bring communities together and widen opportunity for people of all ages.
The funding is expected to support projects across 72 library authority areas, prioritising places facing high deprivation, weak social infrastructure and historically low library engagement. The aim is to ensure that people in every community can access the life‑changing benefits of reading, regardless of income or background.
In addition to millions of free books, public libraries provide:
- Access to education and lifelong learning
- Digital skills and support
- Free Wi‑Fi and computer access
- Advice, social connection and community events
As trusted, welcoming spaces, libraries play a vital role in helping people improve their prospects, tackle cost‑of‑living pressures and stay connected. Free access to books, digital resources and support services helps ensure that no one is locked out of learning or opportunity.
To further champion the library sector, the government will award a £1,000 cash prize to each of the five English regional winners of The British Book Awards Library of the Year. This funding will support local reading projects and celebrate outstanding innovation, community engagement and civic pride.
The National Year of Reading 2026 aims to reverse the decline in reading for pleasure among children, young people and adults. Its “Go All In” campaign encourages people to embrace reading in all formats, including traditional books, audiobooks, e-books, digital magazines, and graphic novels.
The campaign will highlight how reading boosts wellbeing, creativity and confidence, and helps build stronger, more connected communities.
Baroness Twycross, Libraries Minister, commented:
“Reading opens doors to new worlds, sparks imagination and unlocks new opportunities. The National Year of Reading is inspiring people across the country to read and visit their local library to make the most of the many services they offer.
“Ahead of publishing our new strategy for public libraries later this year, this funding will help our libraries reach even more people in their communities, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, can experience the joy of reading and the benefits of our local libraries.”
Alongside the National Year of Reading, the government plans to publish a new strategy for public libraries later in 2026. The strategy will:
- Restore libraries to the heart of communities
- Highlight their role in improving the lives of working people
- Support the government’s Plan for Change to provide opportunity for all
- Promote cross‑government action to ensure libraries are fit for the future
The combined investment and strategy aim to position libraries as vital cultural and educational infrastructure supporting learning, prosperity and wellbeing across England.
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