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
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).
National Year of Reading events for the whole community
These events are all free of charge.
Spine Festival
16 May – 19 June. Ages 5+.
An exciting festival for children and families featuring spoken word and arts activities delivered by local artists, alongside creative workshops and imaginative events led by SPINE Artists in Residence.
16 May – 12 June. Ages 7-11. Competition + Virtual Masterclass with Simon Mole Write a poem inspired by the SPINE Festival 2026’s theme of MAGIC & IMAGINATION for a chance to win some exciting prizes! Magic in Your Hands: Arts and Craft Club Enjoy a welcoming, hands‑on making workshop where young participants will be guided to create something meaningful. Artists in Residence Family Workshop Our SPINE artists in residence are bringing a special spin to arts and crafts club: Adam Kammerling and Alfiah Jade Brown are hosting a free, fantastic family workshop. This will be a magical, imagination fuelled, creative workshop. Magic in Your Hands: Arts and Craft Club Enjoy a welcoming, hands‑on making workshop where young participants will be guided to create something meaningful.
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. Challenge yourselves with our Lewisham themed treasure hunt and 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. Plus all of our libraries will be running special workshops and activities throughout the summer in addition to our regular activities which will continue.
CitySprint Treasure Hunt
25 and 30 July at Downham Library, 10am – 4pm.
Come along to Downham Library for a special National Year of Reading treasure hunt
Lewisham Libraries have partnered with CitySprint Ltd to send you on a hunt for a missing book delivery. Come to the desk to get started, then search the library to find clues and solve riddles. You will be rewarded with some exclusive 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.
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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