Last month, we mentioned the government’s decision, back in July, to designate 2026 as a National Year of Reading.
So we decided to delve a little deeper into this to find out a bit more…
Here is an extract from the government’s press release:
Education Secretary urges parents to swap scrolling with reading as she launches a National Year of Reading for 2026 to boost kids’ literacy and life chances.
The Education Secretary is calling on parents to lead by example and make reading a daily habit to help reverse the decline in reading for pleasure, to help give kids the best start in life as part of the Plan for Change. The call comes as the Department for Education and National Literacy Trust join forces to launch a National Year of Reading, starting in January 2026 to kick start a reading revolution…
Bringing together parents, schools, libraries, businesses and literacy experts, the campaign aims to foster a love of reading for pleasure in children and young people, ensuring all children get the best start in life. Reading for pleasure isn’t just a hobby. It’s linked to a range of benefits including stronger writing skills, improved wellbeing and confidence, and even higher future earnings…”
The report goes on to say that the government will invest £27.7 million to support the initiative, which will be kick-started by the distribution of 72,000 new books by The National Literacy Trust to children in areas with the highest rates of child poverty.
The Education Secretary met with representatives of over 30 organisations, to rally support, including Premier League, Julia Rausing Trust, Arts Council England, the Very Group and a range of book publishers. The campaign will be packed full of exciting school and community events and activities supported by a dedicated website.
For additional information and the statement in full, click here
Don’t forget – everyone in Camber, whether residing or just visiting, has access to free books at our Book Stops; these are situated on the lawn by the traffic lights and at the entrance to Pelwood Road. There is always a good range of stock, including children’s books.
Books, whether new or second-hand, make excellent Christmas gifts. Camber Community Group will hold a free book stall at the Camber Christmas Fayre on 22nd November, or you could go along to our local Book Stops to find your perfect read, or that perfect Christmas gift for someone!
Happy reading!
