Cheshire East goes ‘All In’ for National Year of Reading 2026 

12 May 2026

Cheshire East Council is going ‘All In’ for the National Year of Reading 2026, with its Family Hubs, libraries and schools working together to support the UK‑wide campaign encouraging people of all ages to rediscover the joy and benefits of reading. 

Led nationally by the Department for Education and delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, the National Year of Reading aims to reverse the long‑term decline in reading for pleasure and help make reading a natural, enjoyable part of everyday life once again. 

The campaign’s message, ‘Go All In’, encourages people to link reading to the interests they already love from music, sport and food to family time and popular culture – showing that reading belongs everywhere, not just in schools. 

The Leader and Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council have formally signed the National Year of Reading pledge, confirming Cheshire East as a pledge partner and reinforcing its commitment to literacy, opportunity and inclusion. 

Councillor Nick Mannion, Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: “We are united in the national vision to reconnect people of all ages with reading as a meaningful, modern and social activity. A love of reading is one of the most powerful tools for opportunity and lifelong learning. We’re proud to be supporting this campaign here in Cheshire East and working with our communities to make reading part of daily life.” 

Councillor Michael Gorman, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, said: ““Going ‘All In’ for the National Year of Reading reflects our ambition to give every child and family the best start in life. By working together across our Family Hubs, libraries and communities, we’re making it easier for people to build reading into everyday routines. Whether it’s sharing a story at home, attending a local session or accessing support through our services, we want reading to feel accessible, relevant and enjoyable for everyone.” 

Cheshire East Family Hubs are playing a central role in supporting the National Year of Reading, coordinating, and delivering Bookstart across the borough. This national programme provides free books for every child aged 0–5 in England and Wales, helping to build a love of reading from an early age. 

The Cheshire East Bookstart Lead has completed National Year of Reading Champion Training, ensuring local families benefit from the latest guidance and resources. Family Hubs also provide a range of tailored packs for children with additional needs and for families where English is an additional language. Many of these resources are shared through the Family Hubs’ home learning offer. 

As part of their wider community outreach, Family Hubs are hosting events for voluntary, community and faith sector organisations that run playgroups in churches and community centres. The North Regional Lead for the National Year of Reading at the National Literacy Trust has been invited to attend these events, encouraging local groups to become National Year of Reading Champions themselves. 

Information and resources linked to the National Year of Reading have been shared with schools across Cheshire East, supporting teachers to embed reading for pleasure into everyday learning. 

Cheshire East Libraries will also be promoting the campaign through their regular children and family activities, including Baby Bounce, Rhymetime, Stories and Songs, Lego Clubs and sessions for older children. 

This summer, libraries will once again deliver the Summer Reading Challenge, aimed at primary school aged children, with a mini challenge for younger children. The 2026 theme, ‘Read to the Beat’, brings music and stories together, helping to engage children and families in reading for pleasure over the school holidays. 

Councillor Laura Crane, chair of Cheshire East Council’s children and families committee, said: “From our Family Hubs celebrating World Book Day to the wide range of events in our libraries and communities, there are so many ways for families to get involved. Reading together builds confidence, strengthens bonds and supports children’s development from the very earliest years. 

“Our Family Hubs and libraries offer welcoming, supportive spaces where families can access free activities, advice and resources tailored to their needs, whether that’s enjoying stories and songs with a baby, finding the right book for a reluctant reader, or getting support as a parent or carer. I would encourage families across Cheshire East to explore what’s available locally and make the most of these fantastic services to help embed a love of reading into everyday family life. 

To find out more about what Family Hubs offer visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/familyhubs.  

To find a local library near you visit www.cheshireeast.gov.uk/libraries.