The Government has announced a £150,000 funding boost for public libraries as part of preparations for the National Year of Reading 2026, with investment aimed at widening access to reading and supporting communities most in need.
Funding will be directed to 72 library authority areas, prioritising places experiencing high deprivation, weaker social infrastructure and low library engagement. The intention is to help more people access the “life‑changing benefits of reading”, regardless of background or income. For libraries working in underserved areas, this focus on targeting need reflects the huge role that local, volunteer‑led spaces already play in improving access to books, digital support and community connection.
The announcement also includes a £1,000 prize for each of the five English regional winners of The British Book Awards Library of the Year, helping them continue innovative local reading projects and celebrating the civic pride that libraries inspire.
Alongside millions of free books, libraries provide essential services every day: access to digital skills, Wi‑Fi and devices, help with education and employment, and spaces that reduce social isolation and support wellbeing. As Baroness Twycross noted, libraries are free, trusted spaces that help tackle cost‑of‑living pressures by offering resources and support at no cost to residents.
The National Year of Reading itself is designed to counter the long‑term decline in reading for pleasure. Through the “Go All In” message, the campaign encourages people to engage with reading in any format, from books and audiobooks to graphic novels and digital publications.