Why it matters: The National Year of Reading, commissioned by the Department for Education and delivered by the National Literacy Trust, aims to tackle a decline in reading amongst children, young people and adults identified in the National Literacy Trust's 2025 annual survey.
The details: Councillor Nadia Cenci, cabinet member for communities, visited Chantry Library on Thursday, 5 March, to join the weekly Wordplay session. Wordplay invites parents to bring their babies and toddlers along to enjoy stories, songs and rhymes, and is one of several ways Suffolk Community Libraries supports children in beginning their reading journey from an early age.
What they're saying: Cllr Cenci said: "The National Year of Reading is an exciting and needed project to increase the joy of reading to what it was in my childhood. Reading being at the correct standard at the age of 11 is a proven indication of success for that child in the future, so this is important for children's achievements as well as their joy."
She added: "Suffolk Community Libraries is an essential hub of activity for connection, events, hobbies and much more. I'd strongly encourage everyone to get behind the National Year of Reading and get a free library card for you and your family. Let's get Suffolk reading!"
For context: The National Year of Reading is delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust, The Reading Agency, BookTrust, World Book Day, Bookmark and the Queen's Reading Room, with libraries and schools across the country taking part throughout 2026.
What's next: Suffolk Community Libraries has launched a new Book Bingo activity to encourage children and families to explore their local library. Free library cards are available at any library or via suffolkcommunitylibraries.co.uk/join.
