The National Year of Reading 2026, is a nationwide campaign bringing together libraries, schools, businesses, parents and literacy experts to get people of all ages excited about reading again.

 

Some of the benefits of reading 

 

  • Regular readers for pleasure in the UK reported fewer feelings of stress and depression than non-readers, and high life-satisfaction levels. 

  • Reading for pleasure in early in childhood is linked to better cognitive performance and mental wellbeing in adolescence. 

  • Those who read for pleasure have higher levels of self-esteem and a greater ability to cope with difficult situations. Reading for pleasure is also associated with better sleeping patterns. 

 

But this doesn’t have to mean reading in the traditional sense. Here are some top tips from the team at Lewisham Libraries (you can find links to the free resources at the bottom of the page). 

 

  • Join the library! Its free to join, reserve and borrow books, and you don't have to live in Lewisham. Joining online gives you instant access to our eLibrary.

 

  • Listening to audiobooks is a great way to read while you’re doing other things. 

 

  • Embrace comics and graphic novels whatever your age. 

 

  • Let children choose what they want to read, whether it's a picture book, comic or information book. 

 

  • Save time by browsing our book catalogue online and collecting your books from any library in Lewisham. 

 

  • Have fun with our Adult Reading Challenge and children’s Winter Mini Challenge. 

 

  • Explore your interests through digital magazines, and keep up to date with newspapers from around the world. 

 

  • See yourself reflected in what you read with our diverse book collections. 

 

  • Read books and newspapers in your home language and share dual language children’s books.  

 

  • Read shorter books by top authors from our Quick Reads for adults, and Dyslexia friendly children’s collections. 

 

 

National Year of Reading events for the whole community 

 

These events are all free of charge.

 

 

Poetry Across London: Competition

 

LondonVerse is city-wide celebration of poetry brought to you by libraries across all 33 London boroughs. Share your voice, tell your story, and be part of something extraordinary.

 

The competition is free and open to all ages. You can submit a poem in any language. Selected poems will be featured in libraries across Lewisham.

 

 

Family Day  

 

Tuesday 15 September at Downham Library. 10.30am - 2.30pm.

 

A supportive, fun learning day for early years children and their families and carers. All activities are free. Please drop in any time throughout the day.

 

All day

Children can decorate a totebag which will become your takeaway goody bag. You can also collect a Bookstart pack and story book while stocks last. At different times throughout the day there will be face painting, outdoor play equipment and soft play. Connect with local free services that can support your parenting journey - see list below.

 

Schedule (final timings tbc, and please check back for more activities)

10.30am Take part in a fun, interactive rhyme time session with your child.

11am Join children's author Ella Phillips for a multisensory storytelling session inspired by her 'Grandma's Magic Recipes' series.

1pm Create a simple and fun book for your baby that will support their development. 

2pm Join EasySteps for a gentle Tai Chi and wellbeing session for parents.

 

Local services and support

Family Hubs

Family Information Service

Sharing REAL with parents - supporting language, communication and early literacy

Breastfeeding Network

National Literacy Trust

Downham Health and Leisure Centre

NHS Prevention Hub - SE London Integrated Care Board. 

Fostering Services

Borrowbox - free eBooks and audiobooks

 

 

Black History Month 

 

October. Multiple dates across our libraries. 

 

Black British Ballet is coming to Dowham Library! We will be hosting storytelling sessions for schools and fun ballet sessions for the public during Black History Month and beyond. More information coming soon.

 

We will continue our vibrant programme of Black History events and activities for all ages as part of Lewisham Black History 365.  

 

 

Imagined Worlds Festival 

 

November. Date and location to be confirmed. 

 

Our popular Imagined Worlds festival of sci-fi and fantasy will be back for its third year. Expect events, activities screenings and talks for all ages.

 

 

Links and info 

 

Borrow children's Voxblock audio players and books for free from Catford, Deptford and Downham Libraries. These screen-free, internet-free players allow kids to explore stories independently or enjoy hands-free listening during family time.  

 

Browse the Community Languages shelves in our libraries for books in multiple languages. 

 

Books that reflect our diverse communities can be found throughout our libraries. 

 

For everything else please ask our friendly library staff. 

 

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