The National Year of Reading

 

 

In 2026, we’re proud to join the nationwide celebration of reading - an initiative led by the National Literacy Trust and supported by the The Reading Agency - aimed at changing the reading culture across the country. Find out more about The National Year of Reading.

 

This campaign invites us to Go All In and discover how reading, in all its forms, can deepen our passions—whether that’s music, baking, films, sci-fi or something else entirely.

 

At the heart of the initiative is the recognition that reading boosts wellbeing, widens opportunities and brings people together. Here at Merton libraries, we’re gearing up to take part.

 

 

LondonVerse Poetry

 

This year, as part of the National Year of Reading, London Verse invites everyone—adults and children alike—to explore the magic of poetry. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or trying your first verse, this is your chance to share your words with a welcoming, creative community.

 

 

For more information on how to get involved, please visit the LondonVerse website.

 

 

 

Special Events for National Year of Reading 2026

 

Magical Quests Presents World Book Day
Wimbledon Library
Friday 6 March, 4:30pm

 

Come celebrate World Book Day at Merton Arts Space with a special bookish mash up by Magical Quests. These are not quite the stories you think you know…


What happens when Goldilocks enters the wrong house or Puss in Boots gives up his boots? 


Expect mischief and mayhem and plenty of surprises in a land of fairy tales and rhymes.

 

Book a space via our events platform

 

 

 

A History of Female Police Officers: Fact & Fiction with Joy Kluver
Wimbledon Library
Tuesday 31 March, 7pm

 

When did women join the police force? What contribution did suffragettes make? Who wrote the first fictional female detective? How well do you know your TV female police officers?

 

Come and find out the answers from Joy Kluver as she steers us through the history of female police officers both fact and fiction.

 

Test your own knowledge with a short quiz and maybe win a prize!

 

Book a space via our events platform

 

 

The Making Of Abba: The Story Of The Band’s 1975 Breakthrough Album
Wimbledon Library
Tuesday 28 April, 7:30pm

 

Discussion & Q&A by Joe Matera, Author

 

The Making Of Abba: The Story Of The Band’s 1975 Breakthrough Album
By Joe Matera

 

Swedish quartet ABBA released their third, self-titled album in 1975. It was a record that led the group to their international breakthrough and eventual domination of the 1970s pop music world. ABBA also provided a blueprint for everything that defined the group, cementing once and for all the band’s musicality and approach. It presents a unique and timeless sound that still resonates fifty years on, remaining as fresh as the day this remarkable recording was released. This is the story of the album, from its inception to its triumphant commercial breakthrough and all in between, including ABBA’s first live tour outside of their native Sweden. It is written from a perspective of not only a fan, but from that of a musician who has recorded with some of ABBA’s inner circle, as well as spending time in Stockholm. Along with in-depth analysis of the music, it also includes new and exclusive interviews with many of the original musicians who were there in the studio. 

 

Book your space via our events platform

 

 

 

Regular literacy events across our libraries

 

We host a variety of regular events to promote reading and  as well as writing to improve literacy skills across all of our Merton Libraries:

 

 

 

 

Tips for reading with children

 

 

 

 

Digital reading resources