A new “Look for a Book” campaign has been launched across the city of Coventry in England. The scheme, from Coventry’s Best Start Family Hubs and the National Literacy Trust, runs until the middle of September and sees 300 book packs placed in public spaces across the city.
As well as a book for 0-5 year olds, each pack will also contain information packs and QR codes that can be used to enter a £50 shopping voucher prize draw. Similar programs have been successfully run in other cities and towns to celebrate the National Year of Reading 2026.
The National Year Of Reading
The National Year of Reading 2026 is a year-long initiative set up by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust. Its stated aim is to help people rediscover the joy of reading.
According to statistics from the National Literacy Trust, 2026 has shown a slight increase in the number of children reading regularly, and enjoying it.
However, it is the first year since 2021 that has seen increases. One of the primary reasons for a decrease in reading figures is the impact of online activities.
The Internet has brought untold benefits, but at a cost to many passtimes that used to require physical interaction of some kind. It has improved communication through email, social media, and dedicated apps. It has broken down geographical barriers, which is useful in commerce and entertainment, but especially in business. Streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video have allowed TV and movie viewing options to expand dramatically for the average household. Online casinos provide convenient access to casino games and slots like Big Bass Bonanza, previously only available in physical casinos and gaming centres.
Books and other reading materials have likewise become more easily accessible online. The issue lies in the fact that physical books used to be one of the most accessible ways to pass the time anyway, but have since been overshadowed by the omnipresence of the other aforementioned forms of media as they’ve become mainstays on our screens at home.
Encouraging Reading
As part of the National Year of Reading, the National Literacy Trust is running a variety of schemes, programs, and events. Events have been held at The Emirates stadium and have seen celebrity authors like Richard Osman encouraging everybody to read more.
Among these programs, some cities and towns have seen the launch of Look for a Book campaigns. Swindon Borough Council announced a scheme in March this year. And Coventry readers have enjoyed similar schemes in the past.
There’s still two books hidden in Coventry! 📕
The hidden books contains a special token that can be exchanged for 2 tickets to see The Book Thief at @BelgradeTheatre! #CoventrysBookThief https://t.co/LRjcZdCUW9
— The Book Thief Musical (@TBT_musical) September 5, 2023
Coventry’s program will run until September 11. 300 books will be placed in waterproof packs – which will also contain reading tips for parents and information packs on the Summer Reading Challenge, the Family Hub Portal, and the Look for a Book campaign.
Participants will also receive a QR code, which gives a free entry into a £50 shopping voucher prize draw competition.
Finding The Books
Book packs will be found in safe, public places, like parks, playgrounds, and bus stops. When a new pack is launched, there will be photo clues provided to help interested families get a better idea of where the pack can be found.
Coventry City Council’s Cabinet Member for Children and Young People, Councillor Mal Mutton, said while announcing the launch of the book scheme: “We all have our favourite books from when we were children, and this campaign will help us to pass on that joy to families who might not normally go into their local library or bookshop.”