National Year of Reading
What is it about?
The National Year of Reading 2026 is the biggest nation-wide campaign, designed to help more people (re)discover the joy of reading and make it part of their everyday lives.
Make time to read for fun during Pilkington Library’s Year of Reading celebration. This year-long initiative highlights leisure reading as an essential part of university life, featuring inviting displays, themed collections, and engaging events designed to help you unwind, explore new interests, and rediscover the joy of reading. From contemporary fiction to thought-provoking nonfiction, the library offers space to read beyond your studies.
Take a step back, pick up something unexpected, and enjoy reading...just for you.
Calendar of Events and Displays
January
The Feel-Good Reads Tree Display
Watch our tree bloom as students add leaves naming books that made them smile. 12th - 18th January.
March
Year of Reading Display
Year of Reading display showcases staff and student recommendations and popular titles from our leisure reading collection. 9th - 20th March.
April
Bookflix Display
Discover our Bookflix display! Explore favourite books that made it to the big screen and check out Kanopy, a streaming platform for university students, featuring films, documentaries, and more. 13th - 24th April
May
Read Around the World Display
Explore books from different countries and cultures, and discover new perspectives, stories, and voices beyond your usual reading through our curated collection. 4th - 8th May.
June
Summer Reading Challenge
Explore with a reading passport! Borrow books and dive into new genres, tracking your reading adventures while discovering fresh stories and perspectives. 8th - 15th June.
July
Children & Young Readers Display
Explore the library’s world of children’s books through July and August! From classic tales to new favorites, discover stories that spark imagination and bring reading to life for young readers.
August
Children & Young Readers Display
Explore the library’s world of children’s books through July and August! From classic tales to new favorites, discover stories that spark imagination and bring reading to life for young readers.
September
Bookflix Display - Take Two
Discover our Bookflix display! Explore favourite books that made it to the big screen and check out Kanopy, a streaming platform for university students, featuring films, documentaries, and more. 7th - 18th September.
October
Library Reading Party
Join us with your book for a Reading Party that offers a welcoming space to relax, read at your own pace, and enjoy the simple pleasure of reading in good company. Date and Bookings TBC
November
Love at First Line Display
Pick a book without knowing the title or author and fall in love with a story from the very first line. Take a chance and let the mystery lead you to your next great read! 9th - 20th November
December
Jólabókaflóð Display
Embrace Iceland’s “Yule Book Flood” and take a book home to read on Christmas Eve. Display dates TBC.
Resources
Leisure Reading
Take a look at the Library's opportunities for reading for pleasure.
Joining Local Public Libraries
Did you know that students and staff at the University can join the local public libraries in Leicester and Leicestershire?
Public libraries have a whole range of material both physical books and electronic and audio books and study spaces for members of the public as well as computers and wi-fi.