The Reading Agency

Libraries have always been at the heart of communities: free, welcoming places where anyone can access books, skills, connection and opportunity, whatever their background. This year, as part of the

The Reading Agency has today announced the outstanding results of the first year of a transformative £1.5 million project funded by The Julia Rausing Trust, bringing the life-changing power of reading to children across the UK.

The

Six “transportive” novels are shortlisted for the Wilbur Smith Adventure Writing Prize, now in its tenth year. The six authors are in the running to receive the £10,000 award to mark their success.

From short stories that “deliver deep truths” to children’s illustrated books that are as “quirky and distinctive” as their young readers, the Society of Authors’ Awards 2026 shortlists represent some of the best and most promising literary voices of the year.

They include authors from ...

At a time when headlines warn of a children’s reading crisis, the question for schools and libraries is not simply whether children are reading less — but how we respond together.

The evidence is sobering. Reading for pleasure among children and young people has fallen significantly over the last two decades. Yet there are also reasons for optimism. Young peopl...