On 30 September 2024, a coalition of publishers, authors, educators, and industry professionals sent an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling for a cross-government commitment to prioritise reading for pleasure among children. They highlighted the alarming decline in reading habits since the pandemic, especially among low-income families, and emphasised the numerous benefits of reading on children’s wellbeing and social skills. The letter urges the government to collaborate on a national reading plan, framing this initiative as crucial for the UK’s future prosperity. For more details and to sign the letter, visit https://bit.ly/47Pd9n6.
Posted on 19/06/2026 We spoke to author Stephen Lightbown about representation, bedtime stories, and dads as reading role models
Posted on 18/06/2026 Sian Hardy, Director of Literacy Hive, considers deliberate, proactive and empowering change in the National Year of Reading
Posted on 26/05/2026 We caught up with Duncan Wright from Accessit Library ahead of their headline sponsorship of the SLA conference