2026 "The National Year Of Reading" * Go All In ! *

The National Year of Reading 2026 is a major UK-wide initiative led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust to reverse the decline in reading for pleasure. Running throughout 2026, the campaign encourages all ages to "Go All In" on reading, connecting with books through schools, libraries, and community events to improve literacy and wellbeing. The campaign aims to tackle the profound decline in reading enjoyment in the UK and reconnect people of all ages with reading as a relevant and immediately rewarding activity.

At Barn Owl Books we are planning lots of exciting ways in which we can reach new readers and bring the enjoyment and benefits of reading to both seasoned booklovers as well as those wanting to connect with books.

We are kicking off 2026 with ideas and challenges to get you started on your reading journey so follow us on our socials or subscribe to our newsletter to keep up to date with everything that is going on! ( see bottom of page)

Enter a world of storytelling…

Through specially curated packages, we bring the joy of brilliant storytelling to booklovers of all ages.

Whether you are looking to increase your own library or looking for a gift for the book lover in your life,

we can help guide you to find the perfect answer.

We are essentially a customer interface business - we love nothing more than meeting our customers and talking to them face to face, making suggestions and recommendations and generally chatting books! We are a destination shopping experience and so much more than just a bookshop. Browse our two floors at leisure, enjoying the comforts of cosy reading areas and knowledgeable staff to guide you in your purchases.

If you can’t get here, our website offers a range of book gifts and subscriptions that can be posted anywhere in the UK. Any book (as long as it is still in print) can be ordered over the telephone ready for you to collect in store the next day or posted to you or a recipient of your choice if it is a gift - you just need to give us a call on 01666 846336