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.

 

See Merton's pledge to the National Year of Reading

 

 

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

 

Secrets and Lies: An evening of espionage with authors Ava Glass and Vaseem Khan
Wimbledon Library
Tuesday 30 June, 7pm

 

Join acclaimed thriller writers Vaseem Khan and Ava Glass for an evening of spies, secrets and suspense as they discuss espionage fiction, international intrigue and the art of the modern thriller with local author Joy Kluver.

 

Book a space via our events platform

 

 

Summer Reading Challenge 
All libraries
Saturday 4 July - Saturday 5 September

 

Summer Reading Challenge 2026: Read to the Beat runs from 4 July–5 September for children aged 4–11. Children can sign up at any of the seven libraries, read 6 or more books of their choice, collect stickers, and earn a medal, certificate, and entry into a prize draw to win amazing prizes!

 

The challenge theme celebrates the link between stories and music, with illustrations by Harry Woodgate. Children under 4 can also take part with their own booklet and stickers, and participation is available online via the Summer Reading Challenge website.

 

The challenge launches with Super Sign Up Saturday on 4 July, featuring character visits, photo opportunities, fun activities, and an extra prize draw for children who register on the day and complete the challenge, with a chance to win family tickets to the Paddington Bear Experience. Libraries will also host a programme of free summer events, crafts, workshops, and family activities throughout the challenge.

 

For more information, please visit our Summer Reading Challenge page.

 

 

Summer of Sport 

 

As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, we're taking part in Summer of Sport across all our libraries, celebrating the connection between reading and sport. Inspired by the campaign's message, "If you're into it, read into it," we'll be hosting a range of fun  sporting-themed crafts to encourage children and families to discover stories, heroes and adventures from the world of sport.

 

Whether you're a football fan, cricket lover or future Olympian, there's something for everyone to enjoy this summer.

 

To see all our Summer of Sport events, please head to 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