National Year of Reading launches across Leicestershire libraries

Free events and activities across our libraries will be held throughout 2026

Councillor Kevin Crook with books

Free events and activities across Leicestershire County Council’s libraries will be held throughout 2026 to mark the National Year of Reading. 

It kicked off with a series of live music, puppets and sensory play events to tell stories to children up to five years old at libraries in Melton, Wigston and Loughborough.

More events will be held for people of all ages to support both the National Literacy Trust and Reading Agency’s year, which is encouraging people to read about the things that interest and inspire us.

We know how important reading is for all of us, and the National Year of Reading is a great opportunity showcase what our libraries have to offer to help people of all ages enjoy books.

The county council’s libraries service offers access to books both in person and online, including books, e-books and e-audiobooks, e-magazines.

Libraries also support young people begin their reading journey with family sessions including Wriggly Readers, a weekly story and rhyme session for youngsters aged up to five. It also offers the summer and winter reading challenges for children to help with reading over the summer and Christmas holidays.

More information about joining Leicestershire Libraries is available on our Libraries page.

Events activities across the year will also be available to see on the Libraries Facebook and Instagram pages.

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Free events and activities across our libraries will be held throughout 2026