At a time when reading for pleasure is in decline as the humble book battles with the habit of doom-scrolling, it is timely that 2026 has been named The National Year of Reading. The official website states ‘Everyone knows that reading expands worlds, sharpens minds and fuels creativity. But fewer of us are making time for it. It’s time for the nation to Go All In.’
The campaign is to bring reading to that which already excites and inspires us. Be it music, sports, films or food, there are opportunities to connect reading to everything we do. Whether to support schools with more reading volunteers, sharing stories at bedtime with the family or finding opportunities to encourage book sharing in the workplace, there are plenty of ways to engage with the initiative. You only need to look at the website goallin.org.uk for inspiration.
So what can we do in our town to make the most of the National Year of Reading?
In South Woodham Ferrers we are fortunate to have a wonderful town library that is a hub of community activities. These include Coffee mornings, Family History Group, Craft sessions, Block Builders Club, Baby and Toddler Rhymtime, The Social Knitwork, Book Group, Coding Club and Home Library Service. There is something for everyone. They are currently running the Winter Reading Challenge until 22nd February, providing under 12s with a way to enjoy reading while taking part in creative activities, earning stickers and a certificate, plus an opportunity to enter a prize draw. This is all in addition to their usual resources on offer, free access to the internet and access to loan books both from the library and from the extensive catalogue of books across the county and library networks. If you do not have a library card yet, go and get one. It is a quick process and invaluable!
If you are looking for an opportunity to give back to the community, the local schools are often looking for reading volunteers to support their children, or quality book donations for their libraries. Speak to them to find out how you can support them during the National Year of Reading.
However you choose to support the National Year of Reading, the most important part of it has to be that you enjoy reading. Our Town Magazine now has a section on the website where I recommend the top 5 books being published each week. This is a great way to keep up to date with new books coming out. Take a look, you never know, you might find your next read.
You can see my Top 5 recommendations from this week’s publishers on the new ‘Book Reviews‘ page.
Hazel Murrell