Lee Child Backs Prison Reading Scheme Sending 500,000 Books 2026

Lee Child, the bestselling thriller writer, is backing a major prison reading scheme that will send nearly half a million books to prisons across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland this autumn. The initiative, delivered by the Reading Agency charity as part of its Quick Reads programme, aims to improve literacy among prisoners and reduce reoffending rates.

What Is the Prison Reading Scheme?

The campaign will distribute copies of 11 short books, with titles selected with input from prisoners and staff. A book will be distributed to every cell across the prison estate, as well as stock sent to prison libraries. This massive effort is designed to make reading accessible to all inmates, regardless of their reading level.

Why Lee Child Is Involved

Lee Child, who is the UK's first prison reading laureate, emphasized the importance of addressing the "revolving door" of reoffending. "If we can stop one in 10 of those people from coming back, that would be a major achievement," he said. "It would be good for society as a whole, not just for that individual prisoner and their future employer."

The Impact of Literacy on Reoffending

Ministry of Justice statistics for 2024-25 show that 65% of initial-assessment results across public prisons in England were at entry levels 1-3, below the standard expected of a typical GCSE student. Child noted that people who want to turn their lives around after prison face compounded barriers if they have difficulty reading.

Key Takeaways

• Nearly 500,000 books will be distributed to prisons in the UK this autumn.
• The scheme is part of the Reading Agency's Quick Reads programme.
• Lee Child, UK's first prison reading laureate, is backing the initiative.
• 65% of prisoners in England have literacy levels below GCSE standard.
• The goal is to reduce reoffending by improving reading skills.

How the Scheme Works

The scheme involves distributing short, engaging books that are easy to read. The titles are chosen with input from prisoners and staff to ensure they are relevant and appealing. This approach aims to encourage reading among those who may not have picked up a book in years.

Benefits of Reading in Prisons

Reading can provide numerous benefits for prisoners, including improved literacy, better mental health, and increased empathy. It can also help them gain skills needed for employment upon release, reducing the likelihood of reoffending.

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