National Year of Reading Should Extend to a Decade, Inquiry Says 2026

The National Year of Reading should be extended to a National Decade of Reading, according to a new education committee inquiry into reading for pleasure. The report, published Friday, highlights a sharp decline in children reading for pleasure and calls for a long-term commitment to reverse this trend.

The inquiry, launched last November by a cross-party committee chaired by Labour MP Helen Hayes, argues that the government should commit to a National Reading Guarantee. This guarantee would ensure all children, regardless of background, have regular opportunities to enjoy books, stories, and shared reading experiences from birth to age 18.

Why a Decade of Reading Matters

National Literacy Trust CEO Jonathan Douglas told the committee that the current National Year of Reading should be transformed into a decade-long initiative. This would sustain the foundations being laid and make reading for pleasure a long-term priority. The report emphasizes that extending the initiative could “effect much more far-reaching change to embed reading for pleasure into all areas of education.”

Key Recommendations from the Inquiry

The inquiry report outlines several critical actions for the Department for Education (DfE). These include extending the pledge to deliver a library in every primary school to secondary schools, restoring public library funding lost since 2010, and automatically issuing library cards at birth.

While the National Reading Guarantee adopts a broad definition of reading, it encourages engagement with traditional books, recognizing their unique benefits. Jo Taylor, an associate professor at UCL, noted that the complexity of language in graphic novels differs from that in traditional novels.

Comparison: Traditional Books vs. Digital Reading

Key Takeaways for Parents and Educators

• Start early: Introduce reading from birth to build lifelong habits.
• Visit libraries: Support public libraries and use free resources.
• Choose traditional books: Prioritize print for deeper language development.
• Advocate for policy: Push for the National Reading Guarantee in your community.

FAQ

FAQ

The inquiry’s findings underscore the urgent need to prioritize reading for pleasure in education policy. By extending the National Year of Reading to a decade and implementing a National Reading Guarantee, the government can help reverse the decline in children’s reading habits and foster a lifelong love of books.