We’re excited to be part of Gloucestershire’s Year of Reading (GYOR), a county-wide initiative led by Read With Me, Read for Good, Cheltenham Festivals and Gloucestershire County Council. Bringing together libraries, schools, family hubs, local organisations and bookshops, the initiative aims to strengthen reading culture across the county and runs alongside the National Year of Reading.
What are children telling us about reading?
GYOR has been shaped by insight from one of the largest listening exercises on reading attitudes ever undertaken in the county. 6,615 children across Gloucestershire took part in our survey and the findings highlight what young people care about when it comes to reading:
- Having time to read without pressure
- Being able to choose what they read
- Access to a wider range of books
- Supportive and calm environments to enjoy reading
This initiative has been designed to respond directly to these points – by increasing both access and flexibility in how children engage with reading.
What will Gloucestershire’s Year of Reading look like?
As 2026 gets underway, activity is already taking shape across the county to support reading in a range of settings. This includes school-based initiatives to encourage reading for pleasure, alongside library programmes that widen access to books and resources. Volunteer-led reading sessions and community events will create more opportunities for children to read regularly, while wider campaign activity aims to raise the profile of reading across Gloucestershire.
The focus throughout is on promoting positive, consistent messaging about reading and making it easier for schools, families and communities to access the support and resources they need.
How are Read With Me involved?
As you may know, Read With Me already provides volunteers in over 110 schools across the county, offering support to improve children’s literacy skills, social skills and confidence through one-to-one sessions.
As part of Gloucestershire’s Year of Reading, we’re committing to:
- Expand opportunities for children to read regularly with a volunteer
- Support schools to deliver ‘Stay and Read’ sessions, including visits from special guests
- Encourage families to build simple, sustainable reading routines
- Provide free pre-loved books wherever there is demand
How can you get involved?
GYOR is designed to be inclusive and accessible. The aim is simple: to create consistent, supportive opportunities so that everyone can find the joy of reading.
There are plenty of ways both individuals and organisations can take part:
· Volunteer to read with a child – click here to find out more.
· Support reading at home, even in short, regular sessions.
· Engage with your local library and community events.
· Become a governor at your local school – click here to find out more.
Visit the Gloucestershire Year of Reading website for more opportunities and to find out how you can take part.
