FILBERT Fox, Leicester City players, Cbeebies’ Rebecca Keatley and Leicester’s poet laureate Mr Shay are among the familiar faces backing the National Year of Reading as it kicks off in Leicester.
The aim is to encourage people to ‘go all in’ and read for enjoyment, with the message that whatever you enjoy doing, you can read about it.
Leicester Libraries is backing the campaign – which has been organised by the National Literacy Trust and is supported by the Department for Education – with a year full of events and activities aimed at encouraging everyone to enjoy reading.
Throughout the year and across the city, as well as on social media, look out for the National Year of Reading’s ‘Go All In’ logo and the people who have lent their support to the campaign in Leicester.
Cllr Vi Dempster, Leicester’s assistant city mayor for libraries, said: “I’m delighted to welcome the National Year of Reading in Leicester, and it’s great that we have some familiar faces on board to help us kick things off.
“We’re very proud of our libraries in Leicester. They are a brilliant resource for everyone. If you’re not a library member or it’s been a while since you visited, there will be one near you – so come along and give it a try, or have a look at our huge online library. It’s free and easy to join.
“As well as the practical support, events and activities we offer, we’ve got a stock of more than 500,000 books, audiobooks and ebooks on just about every topic you can think of. Getting involved in the National Year of Reading couldn’t be simpler – whatever you’re into, read into it and you’re in!”
Mr Shay. Photo: Dean Leivers
LCFC's Louis Page. Photo: Neil Plumb
Mr Shay, Leicester’s first poet laureate, said: “It took me 24 years to find the joy of books, playing catch up has never been more fun".
To get involved in the National Year of Reading, check out these events at Leicester Libraries:
- Haunted Libraries - a mini festival of evening ghost stories, suitable for ages 11+, to mark National Storytelling Week (31 Jan-8 Feb), in partnership with the Leicestershire Guild of Storytelling. There will be free shows on 4 February from 6.30-7.30pm at Knighton Library, 5 February from 6-7pm at Westcotes Library and 6 February from 6-7pm at St Barnabas library. To book, call the library.
- Leicester-born author Colin Wilson shares his knowledge of Jack the Ripper tonight (20 Jan) at Third Tuesday, Leicester Central Library’s regular programme of author talks and writing workshops. There’s a different talk on every Third Tuesday of the month – next month, on February 17, there’s an introduction to self-publishing for beginners, with local writer Wayne Kelly.
- Toddler Time is a chance for parents of young children to stay and play with toys and puppets, enjoy storytelling, join in with rhymes and singing and take part in creative activities, across all city libraries throughout January and all year.
- Reading groups – Leicester Libraries supports more than 40 reading groups across the city. If you would like to find out more, or set up a new group, contact your local library for help hosting groups and arranging books.
Leicester’s museums, festivals, adult learning and early years services are all supporting the campaign with events and activities to celebrate reading for pleasure throughout 2026.
To keep up with the National Year of Reading in Leicester throughout the year, follow Leicester Libraries on Facebook and Instagram or check out their website at www.leicester.gov.uk/libraries
ENDS