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.

 

 

 

Raised Voices

 

Saturday 13 June at Deptford Lounge.

 

Join us for an immersive day exploring the art of storytelling beyond the page. Discover how narratives come alive through musical interpretation and the world of audiobooks.

 

Free tickets and more information for all Raised Voices events.

  

12.30-1.30pm 

Archiving Music: BASTA NOW In Conversation with Fanny Chiarello - Women, Trans & Non-binary in Experimental Music  

Who is missing from experimental music’s history? Author Fanny Chiarello discusses Basta Now, exploring women, trans and non-binary voices, resistance, and radical listening.

 

1.30-4pm 

Fantasy Fried Chicken: Zine Workshop on Food, Community & Speculative Fiction  

Artist, Hamja Ahsan, will use the local fried chicken scene to inspire this zine workshop. 

Participants will go on a short walk to look at local shops and talk about memories of eating fast food and food ethics. 

The DIY Zine Bank (which Hamja has amassed over 30 years) will be explored with a focus on zines about food. Participants will be encouraged to imagine a fantasy Fried Chicken chain of their own, inspired by Hamja's Documenta 15 project on decolonial Fried Chicken. 

No experience necessary. All levels welcomed. Vegans and vegetarians welcome too!

 

4-5.30pm 

Music That Made Me Panel Discussion

Join authors Lloyd Bradley, Dan Hancox and Emma Warren for an in‑conversation panel exploring how music shaped their formative years and creative paths. Through stories and shared listening, they’ll reflect on music as a powerful tool for storytelling and self-expression. 

 

6-8pm 

Bring Your Own Vinyl 

Join us for an evening of musical discovery. Bring your favourite vinyl and take a turn behind the decks to share the sounds that move you. 

 

 

Read to the Beat 

 

Saturday 25 July, across all of Lewisham’s libraries. 10am-4pm. 

 

Summer Reading Challenge launch day for children and their families. 

 

Get your young ones started on their Summer Reading Challenge journey with an exciting day of author events, workshops and activities embracing the musical theme of the 2026 challenge. Children can discover new ways to read with audiobook listening stations, Voxblock screen free audio player demos, and comics and dyslexia friendly books to borrow. They will come away with their Summer Reading Challenge booklet and a special edition of Storytime magazine, ready to start reading and collecting prizes. 

 

 

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. 

 

Learn ways to support your child’s early literacy while they are having fun, with rhyme time sessions and arts and crafts. Dip into some fun learning activities at your child’s own pace and get tips and inspiration to take away with you. De-stress with relaxing exercise taster sessions for adults, and connect with local free services and support through Family Hubs, the NHS and Downham Health and Leisure Centre. Plus, there will be free audiobooks and fun giveaways for the whole family. 

 

 

Black History Month 

 

October. Multiple dates across our libraries. 

 

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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