đ° Adult Literacy News Summary
A quarter of 11-year-olds have below than expected reading skills, research finds
14-Jan-2026 - UK
Just one in three children, aged 8 to 18, enjoy reading for pleasure, the lowest level recorded since 2005, according to new government research. The research also found that over a quarter of those leaving primary school are not reaching the reading age of an 11-year-old, while the situation is much worse for children from white-working-class backgrounds and those with special educational needs.
Read moreLeah Williamson and Richard Osman back National Year of Reading
13-Jan-2026 - UK
Leah Williamson, Michael Morpurgo, Julia Donaldson and Richard Osman are among those who have thrown their weight behind a new nationwide push to get people reading for pleasure, as the government and the National Literacy Trust launch the National Year of Reading.
Read moreHow to share books with children to help them love reading
11-Jan-2026 - UK
Adults reading together with children from an early age is one of the most effective ways to shield children from the effects of social inequalities, including those linked with childhood disadvantage. For example, reading with young children helps them meet early development milestones and to go on to do better at school. A recent report from childrenâs reading charity The BookTrust emphasises how sharing books fosters early attachment, a dynamic set of expectations and behaviours that stem from the caregiver and how responsive to their child they are.
Read moreBest-selling author Lee Child visits HMP Doncaster
09-Jan-2026 - UK
International best-selling author Lee Child has visited prisoners as part of a scheme to raise literacy levels inside jails. Famous for his Jack Reacher novels, which have sold more than 100 million copies worldwide, Child met inmates at HMP Doncaster who are taking part in the Prisons Literacy Project.
Read moreEssex libraries launch Winter Reading Challenge as the âpaw-fectâ way to start the New Year
09-Jan-2026 - UK
THE ever-popular Winter Reading Challenge returns to Essex to inspire everyone to get reading this winter. The campaign runs from 10 January to 22 February 2026 and invites readers of all ages to cosy up with a good book through the colder months. The six-week campaign is part of the Essex Year of Opportunity, a wider initiative by Essex County Council across 2025/26. Through projects and partnerships with organisations, the Essex Year of Opportunity removes barriers into work and education for all ages by teaching essential skills.
Read moreQueen says her charityâs mission is âmore urgent than everâ
08-Jan-2026 - UK
The Queen has underscored the âmore urgent than everâ mission of her charity, The Queenâs Reading Room, as it marks its fifth anniversary, asserting that âbooks do make life betterâ. Founded by Camilla during lockdown, the initiative has grown into a global charity, connecting more than 186,000 book enthusiasts across more than 180 countries. Despite this reach, the Kingâs consort voiced concern over plummeting global reading rates.
Read moreWant to read more? Two experts give their tips on what you can do
08-Jan-2026 - UK
Reading promises so much: better mental health, a sense of wellbeing, cultural and educational enrichment, even greater confidence and eloquence. It sounds irresistible; yet for many of us, the reality is very different. Half of the adults in the UK donât read regularly for pleasure, and more than one in ten find reading difficult.
Read moreThe literacy gap at primary school needs to be urgently addressed
07-Jan-2026 - UK
Research shows that the scale of the primary school reading gap is clearly being overlooked and it is to the countryâs detriment. Nearly three in five UK adults are unaware that a quarter of children leave primary school not able to read well, a survey commissioned by Bookmark Reading Charity found.
Read moreBernicia Foundation grant provides literacy support for adults in Cramlington
05-Jan-2026 - UK
Bringing Words to Life, a North East literacy charity, has helped dozens of vulnerable adult learners in Northumberland improve their reading and writing skills with the support of a ÂŁ10,000 grant from The Bernicia Foundation. Each year, over 700 people, aged 22 to 70, across the region gain confidence and skills in reading, writing, and self-expression through their programmes
Read more2026 Year of Reading urges children to pick up the book
04-Jan-2026 - UK
Bolton Library is inviting children across the area to ditch the gadgets and pick up the books this year for the National Year of Reading. The team is currently running the Winter Mini Challenge, where reading and reviewing three books between now and February 20 gives youngsters a chance to win a bundle of exciting children's books, as well as a certificate and online badge.
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