National Year of Reading: bringing reading back to life – National Lottery Good Causes

Making reading part of everyday life.    

The aim of the National Year of Reading is to rethink what reading looks like. It’s more than just sitting down with a book – reading can mean listening to an audiobook or podcast, scrolling through recipes, a newsletter or a Substack blog, or engaging with gaming content online.  

By expanding what reading looks like, and reaching new audiences, the campaign is helping more people see themselves as readers and making it easier for reading to fit naturally into their lives.

Bringing the campaign to life

The campaign is coming to life in different ways throughout the year. So far, over two million children have taken part, and 35,000 volunteers have pledged their support.

There’s activity taking place in schools, libraries and communities across the UK, alongside virtual events and resources for teachers and families to get involved in.

It’s also about bringing lots of different partners together, from sport, media and culture, so that reading connects with the things people already care about.

With advertising in cinemas, public spaces, and on social networks, and more than 100 campaign ambassadors including household names such as TV presenter Dermot O’Leary, England footballers Leah Williamson and Georgia Stanway, and fitness coach and author Joe Wicks, the campaign is reaching far and wide.  

This summer, the Go All In campaign is uniting sports stars, past and present, broadcasters, pundits and content creators to inspire the nation to fall in love with reading through their passion for sport. Find out more here.  

Getting involved

The key to the campaign is that anyone can get involved. It could be visiting your local library for the first time and borrowing an audiobook, going to one of the many events taking place around the country, or talking about what you’re reading with friends and family. Or joining or even starting a book club.  

There are also opportunities to get more involved, whether that’s volunteering,  supporting local events or setting up your own activity in your community or at work.

The campaign is supported by hundreds of organisations across the UK, all helping to spread the message.

Looking ahead

The National Year of Reading is about creating lasting change. By changing perceptions of what reading looks like, the campaign is helping more people discover its benefits in a way that works for them.  

Thanks to National Lottery players, the National Literacy Trust is reaching communities across the UK.