In the UK, 2026 has been declared The National Year of Reading, the first Children’s Booker prize will be launched, and free books and library cards are being provided for babies. These are responses to the current context in which, according to the National Literacy Trust there has been a 36% drop in the last twenty years of 8-18 year olds who enjoy reading for pleasure. The editorial reminds us that in a child’s first three years, reading is not only important for cognitive and emotional development but for bonding and attachment with family. The UK government has also committed to providing a library for every primary school and the article suggests that “trained librarians” should also be provided. This is a stance strongly supported by the Foundation for Learning and Literacy which advocates for all families to develop pleasure in reading.

Link: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2025/dec/29/the-guardian-view-on-the-national-year-of-reading-2026-time-to-start-a-healthy-habit-for-life