National Year of Reading 2026: Explore your library

Commissioned by the government, the National Year of Reading aims to get people into reading as a social activity and habit that promotes knowledge and opportunity. 2026 is the perfect opportunity to branch out and give something new a try!

Your next chapter starts here: Find your next great read

• Visit the RBWM Libraries catalogue to explore our wide range of books and explore seasonal recommendations.
• Make your voice heard! Review your latest loans on our catalogue. Plus check out Recently reviewed titles – your new favourite book might be waiting!
• Use #RBWMLibraries to share your posts on social media and see what other library users have been reading.
• Explore book recommendations on The Queen’s Reading Room and discover the benefits of reading for people of all ages.
• Connect with other readers and share your recommendations on Storygraph, Goodreads or Fable.

Find your reading community: Library services for book clubs

• Love talking about books? Joining a reading group is the perfect way to meet fellow book-lovers and try something new. 
• Find book clubs near you on Book Club Hub, or contact Reading.Group@RBWM.gov.uk. 
• Access our full range of reading group sets for just £26 a year. 
• For more information about what we can offer your reading group, contact Reading.Group@RBWM.gov.uk. 
• Can’t make it in person? Catch up with the Radio 2 Book Club for the latest fiction reviews by readers around the UK.

This year's best books: Explore literary prizes

• The Women’s Prizes for Fiction and Non-Fiction celebrate the very best of books written by women. 
• The Nero Book Awards display great books of the year by authors living in the UK and Ireland. 
• Dive headfirst into the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize to explore adventures far and wide. 
• The Arthur C. Clarke Award is given to the best of new British science fiction

Keep the story going: Activities and events for children

• Delve into magical worlds as our Alice in Wonderland exhibition visits libraries across the borough, starting at Sunninghill Library on 1 April.  
• Get ready to ‘Read to the Beat’! This year’s rhythmic and expressive Summer Reading Challenge kicks off in July. With exciting prizes to collect along the way, this is a great opportunity for children up to 11 years old to explore the world of books and enjoy the benefits of reading for pleasure.

Supporting your child with reading

• Reading helps children boost their language, cognitive skills, imagination, mental wellbeing and self-confidence. 
• Friendly and interactive Storytimes support you and your child to enjoy books together, and set them up for a lifelong reading habit. See our Storytime schedule and join in now! 
• Words for Life (National Literacy Trust) and BookTrust offers support and tips to help get your children chatting, playing and reading. 
• The Waterstones Children’s Book Prize is awarded every year to new or emerging children’s authors. 
• The Berkshire Book Award is judged by local young people to celebrate the most popular children’s books. Visit their website to cast your vote now! 
• Try the 16 exciting new titles chosen by schools and libraries across the UK for the Carnegie Medals.

Your Library reaches far beyond the borough

• You could be saving money on newspaper subscriptions by getting your news and magazine fix for free on Pressreader.
• Cancel your audiobook subscription – from Richard Osman to Jane Austen, access bestselling eBooks and eAudiobooks on Libby and BorrowBox, all for free with your Library card.

Celebrate World Book Day with us! Maidenhead Big Read will be taking place at Maidenhead Library on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 March 2026, with free events for families to explore the world of books. Visit their website to keep up to date with the latest guest author announcements.

Stay in the loop at your Library

Sign up to hear the latest about what you can see and do at your Library. You can get information about our library events and clubs as well.

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