This year marks the National Year of Reading and with one in 10 children and young people reporting they do not have a book of their own at home, it’s time we turn to libraries, writes Bethany Sirianni.
Only one in three children and young people said they enjoyed reading in early 2025, the lowest percentage since 2005, according to the National Literacy Trust.
There are eight West Berkshire Libraries, as well as Wash Common Library, a local community-based charity, that are still aiming to gift the joy of reading.
Jacqueline Cooper, children and communities West Berkshire librarian, said: “We will certainly be doing our best to support this [National Year of Reading] over the coming months – there are so many benefits to reading.”
One of the initiatives West Berkshire Libraries already takes part in is the Summer Reading Challenge, which helps to encourage children to pick up six books as part of a fun contest.
“We were delighted to learn last week that West Berkshire had the highest percentage of four- to 11-year-olds in the South East to take part in The Reading Agency’s annual Summer Reading Challenge in summer 2025.”
“Eighteen per cent (2,721) of the children in this age range in West Berkshire took part by borrowing and reading six library books over the summer.”
In the West Berkshire Libraries annual report for 2024 it states that there were 5,000 new members as the demand increases, which is a good sign for this coming year.
With the new year comes new stock as well, with Newbury Library welcoming 189 new items this week including the K-pop Demon Hunters film soundtrack, Fredia McFadden, Lee Child and more.
Wash Common Library also has new stock including novels by Jeffrey Archer, Martina Cole, Jeremy Clarkson and the novel A Spy Among Friends.
Across the year 11,800 items were added to West Berkshire Libraries so there is always something for everyone.
Libraries act as a great community hub, and there if often more to them than meets the eye. West Berkshire Libraries offer digital support and IT help through courses, one-to-one sessions and the availability of wi-fi and computers.
They also offer wellbeing support through curated packs, seated exercises classes and free period products.
Another aspect they pride themselves on are inclusive spaces and activities which are autism and dementia friendly.
And, if you’re just looking for a place to stay social, they host an Educafe at Newbury Library, the Ageing Creatively Community Café at Theale Library and more too.
While Wash Common Library is no longer run by the council, it still offers a thriving social space thanks to its dedicated volunteers.
If you are in the area and want to get involved, it offers a monthly book-club, poetry reading group and a knit and natter group.
In a recent report by Libraries Connected, it was revealed that West Berkshire delivers at least £12,221 in value each year by supporting mental health and wellbeing through the provision of volunteering opportunities.
Throughout West Berkshire Libraries’ report, comments are included anonymously from members of the community who had the chance to express their love for their library.
One member said: “I adore the library being one of the few places to find resources such as internet access, printing and literature et cetera.”
Another member said: “It’s an opportunity to try out new things, explore new books and writers without fear… the magical possibility of discovering the perfect book, or even better the perfect series, is always there.”
