The National Year of Reading at Sheffield Libraries

Sheffield Libraries are proud to join the National Year of Reading 2026, focused on reconnecting people with reading through the things they already enjoy - Whatever you’re into, read into it!

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Sheffield National Year of Reading Launch – Saturday 31 January

We are starting things off with a launch on Saturday 31 January with fun activities for all ages in The Central Libraries and our hub libraries.

At The Central Library:

Matty Long - Younger Graphic Novel illustrator and author will be joining us sharing his books, with drawing fun. Books will be available to buy and have signed at this event.
Central Children’s Library
10.30 am 
Book your place on Eventbrite

Lisa Maltby – local illustrator and designer unveiling her new library card design, with a Q&A about life as an illustrator
The Carpenter Room, Central Library 
12.30 – 1.30 pm.
Book your place on Eventbrite

Otis Mensah – poet and sound artist, former Sheffield Poet Laureate and
Danaé Wellington – writer, producer, former Sheffield Poet Laureate
Books will be available to buy and have signed at the event.
The Carpenter Room
2.00 pm
Book your place on Eventbrite.

Lick of Paint printing workshop for all ages 
Central Library (Young Adult Area)
Drop-in anytime between 11.00 am -1.00 pm

Lick of Paint floor mural for all ages
Central Library (Young Adult Area)
Drop-in anytime between 11.00 am– 3.00 pm. 

Storytelling performance with Hatchlings
Central Children's Library
2.00 pm - 2.45 pm

Drop-in and Draw - a relaxed opportunity to sketch, draw and paint anything you like, or using objects provided to inspire.
Reading Room, Central Library
10.30 am - 12.00 noon

Hub Library Activities:

Creative Collage for all ages.
Chapeltown Library
Drop-in 11.00 am - 3.00 pm

Family Crafting afternoon. 
Hillsborough
2.00 - 3.30 pm

Julia Donaldson Crafting for ages 2-8 years.
Highfield Library
Drop-in, 10.30 am - 12.00 noon

Drop-in and Draw Book Covers for all ages
Manor Library
Drop-in. 11.00 am - 3.00 pm.

A Year of Reading Themes

To celebrate the many ways people enjoy reading, Sheffield Libraries will run four themed quarters across the year:

• Creativity (January - March): Celebrating the arts and the creative spark reading brings. Activities will include drawing, illustration workshops, and creative family sessions.
  
  
• Outdoors (April - June): Highlighting Sheffield’s green spaces and the joy of reading outside.
  
  
• Entertainment (July - September): Linking into the Summer Reading Challenge’s Read to the Beat, uniting stories with the power of music and pop culture.
  
  
• Mystery (October - December): Coinciding with the Agatha Christie Exhibition, we will celebrate with activities sharing the excitement and intrigue of mystery stories.

 

Go all in and be part of shaping Sheffield into a thriving reading city.

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