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.

 

Saturday 7 February at Deptford Lounge 

 

Celebrate love in all its forms at an uplifting afternoon of free talks, readings, and workshops!

 

Dive into a lively panel exploring how romance has evolved from timeless tales to today’s bestsellers, craft heartfelt zines with Zoe the Zinester in a hands‑on creative session, and hear three acclaimed non‑fiction writers unpack the complexities of intimacy and community in modern life. A thoughtful, engaging look at the stories that connect us. 

 

 

World Book Day at Downham Library 

 

Pop-up book exchange 12 February - 14 March. Poetry event and family drop-in activities on Thursday 5th March from 3.30pm  

 

Downham Library will become a pop-up book exchange which means children can swap their World Book Day tokens for their choice of World Book Day books.  

 

And don’t miss an afternoon of fun family activities on World Book Day (Thursday 5th March) at Downham Library from 3.30pm: 

 

At 4pm join poet and performer Arji Manuelpillai for a high-energy poetry workshop for ages 7–12. Through games, movement, sound and storytelling, children will create their own bold, funny, and surprising poems. No pressure, no boring worksheets — just imagination, confidence, and the joy of playing with words. 

 

Get stuck into some fun book related crafts, show off your World Book Day costumes with our selfie frame, discover new ways to read with an exciting selection of graphic novels, picture books, dyslexia friendly books and audiobooks to borrow. And try out Libby, the library reading app. Plus choose your free WBD book! 

 

 

Raised Voices

 

Saturday 13 June at Deptford Lounge.

 

An immersive day exploring the art of storytelling beyond the page for adults and teens. 

 

Discover how narratives come alive through spoken word performances, musical interpretation, and the world of audiobooks. 

 

 

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 

 

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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