We’re excited to Go All In for World Book Night!
World Book Night is a national celebration of reading and books for adults and young people presented by our friends at The Reading Agency, taking place on 23 April every year.
Reading for pleasure is a globally recognised indicator in a huge range of social issues from poverty to mental health, yet in England alone, 36% of people don’t regularly read (DCMS, 2015).
World Book Night brings people from all backgrounds together for one reason – to inspire others to read more. It’s accessible for everyone, from less confident readers to those who read regularly.
This year, they are uniting adults across the UK with reading, by encouraging everyone to join in the
#ReadingHour from 7-8pm. Dedicate time to reading alone, having a book club meeting, listening to an audiobook, or reading to children at bedtime.
The National Year of Reading is reconnecting reading with the things that already inspire us – from playlists and football matches to films, food and family time. It’s reading that fits how we live, not the other way around.
If you’re into it, read into it.
World Book Night covers the whole reading journey and is accessible for everyone, from less-confident readers to those who read regularly. World Book Night is a community celebration, bringing people together to share the joy of reading.
At the heart of World Book Night 2026 are Quick Reads, short books and great stories
by bestselling authors, written in an accessible and easy-to-read style.
The 2026 Quick Reads:
• Rachel Hore – The Girl in the Picture (Simon & Schuster)
• Leye Adenle – Cell One (Simon & Schuster)
• Rosie Goodwin – Sweet Charity (Bonnier Books UK)
• Louise Jensen – The Woman Next Door (HQ, HarperCollins)
• Derek Owusu – Hunger Pains (Merky Books, Penguin Random House)
• Carmel Harrington – The Last Bench (Headline, Hachette)
How to get involved:
Celebrate the joy of reading this World Book Night by trying one (or more!) of these
fun and easy ideas:
- Read somewhere unexpected: take your book somewhere different; a park bench, the
train, your favourite café, or even your garden. A change of scenery can make reading
feel even more special. - Listen while you live: pop on an audiobook, podcast or short story while you’re
cooking, tidying up, or eating together as a family. Audiobooks fit perfectly into
everyday moments. - Host a book party or quiz: bring colleagues together for a book-themed lunch,
afer-work gathering or quiz night. Share recommendations, favourite characters, or
book trivia. - Organise a pre-loved book swap: invite friends or colleagues to bring along a book
they’ve loved and swap it for something new. Add a note with a short message about
why you enjoyed it and what the next reader can look forward to.
Start a book club: use World Book Night as the perfect moment to launch a regular
book club — at work, in your community, or online. - Explore your local library: check your local library’s website to see what events are
happening around World Book Night — from author talks to reading groups and
family activities. - Share your story: post your World Book Night selfies and celebrations on social media
using #WorldBookNight, #GoAllIn2026 and #NationalYearOfReading2026 to inspire
others to get involved. - If you’re looking after children, share some time reading before bed with our video stories and free audiobooks.
For more information on how to get involved visit worldbooknight.org and join them in creating a world where everyone is reading their way to a better life. We look forward to hearing how you celebrate!