Discover Local Libraries: Locations and Hours for National Year of Reading 2026

The Department for Education backs a national effort to revive reading for pleasure. The initiative targets both children and adults.

The case for action

Recent surveys show reading enjoyment has fallen across age groups. The 2025 National Literacy Trust Annual Literacy Survey found only one in three children and young people aged eight to 18 enjoy reading in their free time.

That same survey reported just one in five reads something each day. International data from PIRLS 2021 found only 29 percent of nine- to ten-year-olds in England said they “very much like reading.” The international average was 46 percent.

Adult engagement is low too. Research from The Reading Agency in 2024 highlighted barriers such as limited time, low confidence, and poor access to relevant materials.

National Year of Reading 2026: goals and support

The campaign will run under the banner “Go All In.” Its aim is to make reading part of everyday culture.

Organisers expect a diverse calendar of activities. More than 60 organisations have pledged support. The Department for Education is among the backers.

Discover local libraries, locations and hours

Filmogaz.com has compiled a list of nearby libraries and their opening times. Use this guide to plan visits during the National Year of Reading 2026.

• Barrow Library – Ramsden Square, Barrow.

  Monday to Thursday: 9.30am to 6pm. Friday: 9.30am to 5pm. Saturday: 10am to 4pm.

• Walney Library – Central Drive, Barrow.

  Monday to Wednesday: 10am to 5.30pm. Friday: 10am to 5pm. Saturday: 10am to 1pm.
• Ulverston Library – The Coro, County Square, Ulverston.

  Monday and Tuesday: 9am to 5pm. Wednesday: 9am to 1pm. Thursday: 9am to 6pm. Friday: 9am to 5pm. Saturday: 9.30am to 1pm.

• Askam Library – Lord Street, Askam-in-Furness.

  Monday: 3pm to 5pm. Tuesday: 10am to 1pm. Thursday and Friday: 2pm to 5pm.

• Millom Library – Salthouse Road, Millom.

  Monday to Friday: 9am to 5pm. Saturday: 9am to 12pm. Sunday: Closed.

• Ambleside Library – Kelsick Road, Ambleside.

  Monday and Wednesday: 10am to 5pm. Tuesday: 1pm to 6pm. Friday: 10am to 5pm. Saturday: 10am to 1pm.
• Grange Library – Grange Fell Road, Grange over Sands.

  Monday to Friday: 10am to 5pm. Saturday: 10am to 1pm. Sunday: Closed.

• Windermere Library – Ellerthwaite Road, Windermere.

  Monday: 9.30am to 1pm. Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 9.30am to 5pm. Saturday: 10am to 1pm.

Check local listings before travel. Hours can change for holidays or events.