Are you ready to ‘Go All In’ for 2026?

23 February 2026

Libraries across North Northamptonshire will be celebrating the National Year of Reading 2026 - a year dedicated to helping every resident, of all ages, to ‘Go All In’ with their interests, hobbies, creativity and passions.

Throughout 2026, Northamptonshire Libraries will host a vibrant mix of events, displays, workshops, clubs, reading recommendations, community connections and discovery opportunities - all designed to show that reading isn’t just something you do in a book: it’s a gateway into everything you love.

‘Going All In’ is about celebrating all the ways people learn, discover, explore and connect. Reading sits at the heart of that — but reading is more than books. It’s curiosity, conversation, inspiration and community.

Throughout 2026, LibraryPlus will offer something for everyone: families, young people, adults, older residents, newcomers, long time library users and those who haven’t stepped through the doors in years. 

From gardening to gaming, local history to live music, crafting to climate activism, fashion to Formula One - libraries can help residents dive deeper into whatever inspires you.

Libraries will be showcasing:

• Reading for pleasure in all its forms
• Groups, societies and clubs across Northamptonshire
• Local experts, hobbyists, makers and enthusiasts
• Volunteer opportunities and community networks
• Free digital and physical resources to help people learn, create, explore and enjoy

The message for the year is simple: If you’re into it… you can read into it. You can learn more about it. You can connect with others who love it too.

Whether you’re already an avid reader, just rediscovering books or prefer learning through hands-on activities, community groups or shared experiences, your local library is ready to support you. If you can't get to your library, there's no need to miss out, we can come to you with our Library to You, your local library is ready to support you.Cllr Greg Wilcox, North Northamptonshire Council’s Executive Member for Communities

I would encourage everyone to get involved with the National Year of Reading - even if it’s something small.

The statistics around the number of children that do not possess their own or have access to a book are worrying. As a council, we must do all we can to support reading and literacy in the North Northamptonshire area to buck that trend.Cllr Martin Griffiths, Leader of North Northamptonshire Council

As part of the National Year of Reading 2026, libraries are calling on local groups including artists, hobby groups, heritage organisations and charities with community goals to get involved. If you would like to collaborate, co host an event, run an activity, provide a demonstration or share your knowledge with the community, libraries across North Northamptonshire would love to hear from you.

Residents are encouraged to:

• Visit their local library
• Borrow something new
• Discover a club or group they didn’t know existed
• Attend an event or workshop
• Ask staff for guidance on exploring a hobby or interest
• Take the next step in a passion they already love

Because whatever you’re into… your library can help you go all in.

To discover what is happening in your local library, visit the library events page on the council’s website or if you’d like to collaborate with a library - you can find contact details online.