Thousands of Free Books Spark Reading Joy for Kids This Weekend!

This weekend, thousands of free books will be handed out to children across Yorkshire as part of a big effort to encourage more young people to read. Volunteers in Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham, and Sheffield are preparing to distribute 4,000 books on Saturday, 22 August, during the Festival of Reading. The idea is to help children who might not have books at home and to show them that reading can be fun and exciting. Recent research found that Yorkshire and the Humber has one of the lowest rates of book ownership in the UK, with only 85. 3 percent of people saying they have a book of their own at home. This is much lower than in places like London, where more children own books.

Mayor Oliver Coppard says he wants every child in the region to know that books and stories are for them. He believes that having access to books can make a big difference in a child’s life. Jason Vit, who works at the National Literacy Trust, explains that not having books at home makes it harder for children to read regularly. He says that children who enjoy reading tend to read more often, and reading brings many benefits, such as helping kids understand other people’s feelings and improving their well-being. Even though fewer children in Yorkshire own books, the National Literacy Trust’s latest research shows that more children are enjoying reading now than in the past five years. More than a third of children and young people aged 8 to 18 say they enjoy reading in their free time, and one in five reads every day.

The National Year of Reading in 2026 will see over 50,000 volunteers supporting reading and literacy events in their communities. The 4,000 books being given away this weekend have been provided by publishers and businesses. The books will be available at several events: The Seam, Yorkshire Roses, and Digital Media Centre in Barnsley from 10:00 to 15:00; Sir Nigel Gresley Square in Doncaster from 10:00 to 16:00, with a quieter hour from 10:00 to 11:00 for families who prefer a more relaxed session; Clifton Park in Rotherham from 11:00 to 14:00; and Hillsborough Park in Sheffield from 10:00 to 14:00. These events will also include story times, reading trails, and creative workshops, so children can have fun while picking out a book to take home. Mayor Coppard has also started the Little Big Book Club to give children even more chances to read. He remembers the first book he loved as a child and wants every child in South Yorkshire to have the chance to discover their own favorite story. The hope is that these events will help children see reading as something enjoyable and important for their future.