Pan Macmillan supports National Year of Reading in 2026
Pan Macmillan is proud to be supporting a year long celebration of reading - The National Year of Reading - in 2026, as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
It was announced today (7th July 2025) that the Department for Education and The National Literacy Trust are joining forces to lead the campaign, working with schools, libraries and publishers to kickstart a reading revolution across the UK.
It follows The National Literacy Trust’s report earlier this year that just 1 in 3 children and young people reported that they enjoyed reading in their free time in 2025 (National Literacy Trust) - the lowest level reported in two decades.
Pan Macmillan CEO Joanna Prior attended a reception at No. 10 to launch the campaign, with powerful supporting speeches from Right Hon Bridget Philipson MP, Jonathan Douglas, CEO of the National Literacy Trust and author Cressida Cowell. Our very own beloved illustrator, Axel Scheffler was also present.
‘As someone whose love of reading was sparked in childhood, I know just how powerful books can be in shaping young lives. Reading holds the keys to so much of children’s education, so the decline in reading for pleasure among young people should sound alarm bells loud and clear. This can’t be just a government mission. It needs to be a national one. So, it’s time for all of us to play our part, put our phones down and pick up a book. When parents take the time to read with their children early on, they lay the foundations for strong literacy skills, helping kids to be school ready. By making reading a daily habit, even just 10 minutes a day, we can help give kids the best start in life, as part of the Plan for Change.’
Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson
‘At a time when we are witnessing the lowest levels of reading enjoyment and daily reading in a generation, we are delighted to be working with the government to deliver the National Year of Reading 2026 - a bold, society-wide campaign to reimagine how we understand, support and promote reading. Reading is the foundation of a successful life - the key to unlocking potential, strengthening social cohesion, enhancing wellbeing and boosting skills.’
CEO of the National Literacy Trust, Jonathan Douglas
‘Publishers are proud to be working with the government and partners to help transform lives through reading. A wide range of publishers of all sizes have contributed financially and the whole publishing industry is ready to get behind this campaign to ensure it sparks lasting behaviour change. This is a once in a generation opportunity for us to work with the government and make a huge difference for the benefit of society. Reading for enjoyment is the best indicator of a child’s future success and brings a huge number of benefits from supporting mental health, helping develop empathy and encouraging children to explore their interests independently. We believe every child deserves access to the transformative power of reading, and that journey begins in the library this summer. Sign up for this free, fun way to keep children reading all summer long. With 26 years of evidence behind it and with the National Year of Reading approaching, we look forward to everyone building on the 15 million reading journeys already started through this life-changing programme.’
CEO of the Publishers Association, Dan Conway
‘We are proud to be supporting The National Year of Reading at Pan Macmillan. This is a vital opportunity to reconnect everyone across the country with the transformational power of reading. Books can make us laugh and cry, inspire empathy and understanding, educate and entertain us, offer solace during hard times, develop our confidence and boost our mental health. Most importantly, they can empower us to build a more equal future. Everyone deserves to enjoy the far-reaching benefits of reading, and from their earliest years. We know that declining literacy rates are hitting poorest communities the hardest - this is our chance to change that, working together to change habits for good.’
Joanna Prior, CEO, Pan Macmillan and Chair of The National Literacy Trust
The campaign will be packed full of exciting school and community events and activities supported by a dedicated website (nationalyearofreading.org.uk), backed by over 30 organisations so far including Premier League, Julia Rausing Trust, Arts Council England, the Very Group and a range of publishers including Pan Macmillan.
Visit nationalyearofreading.org.uk to get involved and help get the nation reading again.
