Published 31st March 2026
Inspire is marking the National Year of Reading 2026 with a packed programme of events across Nottinghamshire. The National Literacy Trust campaign, in partnership with the Department for Education, encourages readers to connect books with the subjects they already enjoy — from sport and travel to film, history and more.
Inspire’s new season launch coincides with the Go All In national advertising campaign centred on the message, ‘if you’re into it, read into it’. Throughout 2026, Inspire’s libraries will share fresh reading recommendations, events and activities to help residents discover new books and broaden their interests.
Spring & Summer Highlights
The new season features a wide range of author talks and special events at Inspire libraries county-wide, including:
- Abbie Eaton at Beeston Library (2 July), discussing romantasy and her latest novels.
- A romantic fiction panel with Jane Costello, Beth Moran and Suzan Holder at Worksop Library (3 June).
- Sports writing events, including Jonathan Wilson on the history of the FIFA World Cup (2 June); George Harrison on football and his novel Season (4 July); and Ben Robinson on Notts County’s remarkable season in Trillion Dollar Conman (11 July).
- Crime author visits from Kate Ellis (24 June) and T. M. Logan (18 July).
- History and heritage talks, including Geoffrey Bond on Lord Byron; Dr Richard Gaunt on Emma’s Sketchbook; and CJ DeBarra discussing Queer Nottingham with archive materials on display.
Readers can also be inspired by Inspire’s Love Reading podcast, which offers lively bookish conversations featuring guests from across Nottinghamshire’s library community. New episodes are released every other Friday on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and via the Inspire website.
Inspire Celebrates 10 Years
This year also marks Inspire’s 10th anniversary of delivering culture, learning and library services for Nottinghamshire County Council. To celebrate, staff have created Inspire’s Favourite Reads — a list of 100 standout books. The list will be released on World Book Night (23 April), offering readers inspiration for the national Reading Hour from 7pm to 8pm.
Children are also invited to Go All in
Children are encouraged to Go All In with storytimes, creative workshops, book awards, challenges and family-friendly talks taking place at libraries across the county.
The Summer Reading Challenge 2026 – Read to the Beat launches on 4 July, celebrating the connection between stories and music. Young readers can set their own goals, earn stickers and collect a medal and certificate on completion.
Visiting children’s authors include Sam Hume (wildlife filmmaker), Ged Adamson (reading and illustration fun) and Mark Grist, bringing an interactive performance bursting with poetry, stories and games.
InspiRead 2026 is Inspire’s book awards programme, encouraging children and young people to discover new books, share recommendations and celebrate reading together. Voting runs from 1st April to 26th June.
“We are incredibly proud of the reading offer we provide across Nottinghamshire, and the National Year of Reading gives us a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and share that with even more people. Our new season showcases a fantastic cultural programme, but this year it also highlights the many ways we encourage residents to read for pleasure, learn new things and connect with culture. We’re delighted to play our part in helping Nottinghamshire Go All In on reading.”
“We’re so excited to support the National Year of Reading and celebrate Inspire’s 10th anniversary and our
commitment is as strong as ever — making sure our libraries stay vibrant and
welcoming spaces at the heart of the community. Whether you’re a lifelong book
lover or just starting your reading journey, now is the perfect time to Go All
In for the National Year of Reading. Our libraries are stocked with thousands
of books and with a full calendar of activities and events there’s something
for everyone to enjoy.”
“Reading is one of the most powerful tools we have to connect, create and grow. But
right now, too many people are switching off from it. Through ‘Go All In’, we
want to reimagine reading as something modern, meaningful and social. This
campaign is about reaching people where they are and inviting them to
rediscover the power and joy of reading.”
Full details of upcoming events can be found at inspireculture.org.uk/NYR2026
