This initiative is proudly supported by the National Literacy Trust and the GO All IN campaign, who have generously provided a range of free books to help encourage people of all ages to pick up a book and start reading again.

The bookshelf is part of the National Year of Reading 2026 , the biggest campaign in a generation designed to help more people (re)discover the joy of reading and make it part of everyday life.

We all know that reading has incredible benefits. It expands minds, builds confidence, and fuels creativity. But with busy lives and more distractions than ever, reading for pleasure has been in decline across many groups.

That’s exactly what this campaign aims to change.

The National Year of Reading isn’t about pressure or obligation – it’s about showing that stories, ideas, and imagination belong everywhere. Whether it’s a few minutes with a novel, a quick flick through a non-fiction book, or discovering something completely new, every page counts.

So why not pop in, take a book, and dive in?

Our Community Bookshelf is free and open to everyone. Whether you’re rediscovering reading after a break or just fancy trying something different, there’s something for you.

All we ask is that you complete a short monitoring form, located on the top of the bookshelf. This helps us understand how the bookshelf is being used and ensures we can continue to offer this resource to the community.

Come along, take a book, and be part of a nationwide movement bringing reading back into everyday life.