National Year of Reading

2026 is the National Year of Reading. Discover a lifetime of stories with our programmes of events and activities.

What's on

  1. A collage on a blue background. It shows a cat in a spaceship and a star against an orange planet-shaped background. There are a frog and some leaves against a green planet-shaped background. And, a fish and some coral against a blue planet-shaped background. There are also a bird and a rocket!
    Free

    Story Explorers in Leeds

    Our Story Explorers exhibition is launching off to Leeds! Play your way around this family exhibition co-produced with Leeds Libraries.

    More info
  2. A cheeky green dragon with yellow eyes drawn by illustrator Chris Riddell on a purple background. The dragon is surrounded by smoke and stars.

    Fairy Tales

    A family adventure through magical worlds and enchanted stories.

    More info
  3. A woman with short black hair, resting her chin on her hand and gazing upwards. She's wearing pink lipstick, a blue suit jacket and colourful bracelets.
    Years 10 – 13
    Free

    Exploring Black British Literature – Live! with Malorie Blackman

    Renowned author Malorie Blackman joins us at the Library as we take our popular Exploring Black British Literature workshop live onstage.

    More info
  4. Three children and an adult holding animal masks in front of their face, stood in a colourful room.
    Free

    Story Explorers: Animal Trail

    Help us find cunning creatures hidden amongst the library shelves in Leeds.

    More info
  5. Young children dancing with their arms in the air
    Free

    Fairy Tales: Schools Festival of Storytelling

    Celebrate the spellbinding power of stories at our Fairy Tales Festival of Storytelling for primary schools.

    More info
  6. A collage image of seven people on stages, performing or talking to an unseen audience.
    Years 1 – 2
    Free

    Celebrate the Summer Reading Challenge

    Save the date for this joyous jamboree of Key Stage 1 reading.

    More info