Cheshire East Council has formally committed to the National Year of Reading 2026, joining a UK-wide effort to reconnect residents with the practical and social benefits of literacy. The local authority’s new leadership team signed a formal pledge this week, confirming the borough as a primary partner in the campaign led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust. The initiative seeks to reverse long-term declines in reading for pleasure by integrating books into everyday activities like sport, music, and family time.
Expanding literacy support through local Family Hubs
Family Hubs across the borough are taking a central role in delivering the campaign’s objectives. These centers coordinate the Bookstart program, which provides free books to every child aged 0–5. To strengthen this local delivery, the Cheshire East Bookstart Lead has undergone specialized National Year of Reading Champion training to provide families with updated guidance on early years development.
Councillor Michael Gorman, Deputy Leader of Cheshire East Council, noted that the focus remains on making reading a natural part of daily routines. The hubs are currently hosting outreach events for community groups, faith organizations, and playgroup leaders to encourage a wider network of literacy advocates across the region. This includes sessions designed to help parents build reading into their home learning environments from the earliest stages of a child’s life.
Connecting reading with music and culture in libraries
Cheshire East Libraries are aligning their 2026 programming with the national ‘Go All In’ message. Traditional services such as Baby Bounce, Rhymetime, and Lego Clubs are being supplemented with events that link stories to popular culture and hobbies. For school-aged children, the upcoming Summer Reading Challenge will operate under the theme ‘Read to the Beat,’ specifically merging music with storytelling to maintain engagement during the holiday period.
Councillor Nick Mannion, Leader of Cheshire East Council, emphasized that literacy serves as a tool for lifelong learning and opportunity. By positioning libraries as social spaces rather than just quiet study zones, the council aims to make reading feel accessible to those who might otherwise view it as a strictly academic requirement.
Tailored resources for diverse community needs
Specific provisions have been established for families with additional requirements. Family Hubs now offer tailored book packs for children with special educational needs and for households where English is an additional language. These resources are distributed through the council’s home learning offer and local community centers.
Councillor Laura Crane, chair of the children and families committee, highlighted that these supportive spaces offer free activities and advice for parents of reluctant readers. Residents can find specific schedules and resource locations through the dedicated Family Hubs and library portals on the Cheshire East Council website. The local campaign continues to recruit community organizations to serve as Reading Champions, ensuring the initiative reaches beyond schools and into the wider voluntary sector.
Source: Cheshire East Council
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