A letter from The Literacy Link
Stronger Together: The National Year of Reading 2026
Dear colleague,
The National Year of Reading is now well underway. It is in all our interests that this campaign succeeds, and we know publishers are committed to playing their part by delivering a range of activities to support the reading for pleasure agenda across the UK. As you consider your plans for the year ahead, we would like to offer three simple ways to help ensure your efforts deliver maximum impact in 2026 - and beyond.
Who we are
We are the Literacy Link – a network of literacy charities and not-for-profits working together to maximise our collective impact on children and young people. Our members range from the well-known national charities to small organisations consisting of just a few people. All have a proven track record of supporting schools, families and communities across the UK, working to improve literacy levels and promote a love of reading. All would welcome your support.
Three invitations for 2026
1. Build on what works
The National Year of Reading is a celebration of brilliant practice in this space, so do consider how your resources could help amplify the work of an existing charity to help build a strong, sustainable network of support.
2. Back smaller changemakers too
The literacy ecosystem is made up of hundreds of local and national organisations coming together for the National Year of Reading. Familiarise yourself with the full range of organisations working across the sector and consider partnering with one of the smaller organisations, where even an offer of modest support could prove transformational for children and young people.
3. Volunteer your expertise and enthusiasm
People who work in publishing care deeply about books and believe in the power of reading for pleasure. Yet reading mentor charities report that publishers are under-represented among volunteers and corporate supporters. With in-person and online options available, there’s real potential for the publishing sector to lead as reading mentors and literacy advocates, helping transform the lives of children and young people across the country. You can explore opportunities with a range of reading mentor charities that work in schools on Literacy Hive or search for broader volunteering options through the Go All In website.
How we can help
Tell us your priorities and support options and we will introduce you to member charities that fit.
Email: enquiries@literacylink.org.uk
Together, we can make the National Year of Reading 2026 a turning point for reading.
With thanks,
The Literacy Link