LIBRARIES are set to play a key role in the National Year of Reading 2026, a UK-wide campaign aimed at helping more people rediscover the pleasure of reading and make it part of everyday life.

The campaign, titled Go All In, is built around the idea that reading does not have to compete with busy modern lives.

Instead, it encourages people to reconnect reading with activities they already enjoy, from music, sport and film to food, creativity and family time, highlighting the benefits reading can bring to wellbeing.

Throughout the year, libraries across Wiltshire will host a packed programme of events and activities designed to bring communities together, spark imagination and encourage residents of all ages to discover – or rediscover – a love of reading.

Planned activities include author talks, Big Library Reads, creative writing sessions and theatre events, with something on offer for all interests and age groups.

A wide range of authors, illustrators and creatives will visit libraries around the county during the year.

The line-up includes Dr Lucy Andrew, Rebecca Bagley, August Bloom, Rachel Brimble, Clare Chambers, David Clensy, Sophie Cleverly, Jacqueline Crooks, Rowan Foxwood, Matthew Harffy, Shohaib Ismail, Doug Naylor, Tom Palmer, Jenny Pearson, Hannah Richell, Fiona Robertson, LJ Ross, Kristina Stephenson, Jack Strange, Hana Tooke and Holly Webb, with further events to be announced.

As part of the programme, Wiltshire libraries are also promoting Big Library Reads, a shared digital reading experience available to members through the Libby app.

The first featured title, Everything is Beautiful and Everything Hurts by Josie Shapiro, is available now as both an eBook and audiobook, free to borrow.

Cabinet member for libraries Cllr Mel Jacob said they are “proud” to take part in the campaign.

“It’s a chance to help more people rediscover their enjoyment of reading, and to show it can sit alongside the things people already do in everyday life,” she added.

“Throughout the year, our libraries will be hosting a wide range of events – bringing people together and sparking imagination.

“Our Wiltshire Plan sets out an ambition for wider cultural participation and improved wellbeing. The National Year of Reading supports this by providing a national focus that will help Wiltshire Libraries reach more residents and broaden engagement.”

Details of events running up to the end of March are available on the Wiltshire Libraries “What’s on” pages, with more activities planned later in the year.

Library staff and volunteers are also around to help anyone join the library for free or access digital reading through the Libby app