‘GO ALL IN’ for the National Year of Reading

Libraries across the borough are asking everyone to get involved in the National Year of Reading 2026. Whatever you’re into, get ready to ‘GO ALL IN’

The aim of the National Literacy Trust’s campaign is to increase reading. There are so many benefits of reading: it expands your world and sharpens your mind. This year is the perfect chance to put aside a bit more time to pick up a book to read just for pleasure.

Reading is a powerful plug-in to the things you already love, a great way to go deeper into your existing passions. Put simply: ‘if you’re into it, read into it’.

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Library Service wants everyone to see how reading in all its forms can unlock more of what you love, whether it’s music, baking, family time, films, sci-fi or anything else.

There are books on every subject, from football to outer space, crochet to cosy crime and the Council’s libraries are there to lend them to you free of charge in book, eBook or eAudiobook format.  Your next great read is waiting and it won’t cost you a penny.

During the year the Council’s Library Service, working with partners, will focus on a different theme or key message each month and will be asking everyone to get involved.

Themes will include: what does reading mean to you, World Book Day, World Book Night, story and rhyme events for the under 5s, wellbeing, volunteering, the Summer Reading Challenge and cosy autumn nights on the sofa with eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers.

It’s free to join the library. You can join in person, online or over the phone. It only takes a minute or two, and you don’t need to bring any ID with you, so it’s quick and easy.  The approval of a parent or guardian is needed for children to join. It’s free for under 16s to request books from other libraries.

Join the library and then sign up for the mailing list to hear more about all of the benefits of being a library member and what’s happening during the National Year of Reading.

Once you’ve joined, you can borrow free books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, access free wi-fi and computers and enjoy free refreshments and social activities. You can also borrow an iPad if you need to use one at home.

Find more about Cheshire libraries here: 

www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/residents/libraries

Find more about the National Year of Reading here: 

www.goallin.org.uk/