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World Book Night 2026
World Book Night 2026 marked 20 years of Quick Reads and took place during the National Year of Reading, centred on the 7pm Reading Hour.
- Dates
- 23 April 2026
- Where
- Libraries, bookshops, workplaces and homes across the UK
- Type
- Reading campaign
- Organiser
- The Reading Agency
World Book Night is The Reading Agency's annual celebration of reading, held on 23 April. In 2026 it fell during the National Year of Reading, the government-backed campaign to help more people make reading part of everyday life.
The night also marked the 20th anniversary of Quick Reads, the short, accessible books that The Reading Agency commissions each year. Six new titles, by authors including Rachel Hore, Leye Adenle and Rosie Goodwin, were published for the occasion, and 30,000 copies were to be given away free through publishers, libraries, charities, trade unions and employers.
The main public moment is the Reading Hour, from 7pm to 8pm, when people are invited to read in whatever form suits them and share what they are reading with #ReadingHour. Groups, libraries and bookshops can also hold their own events on or around the date.
Sources: World Book Night: Quick Reads turns 20; World Book Night.
Organised by The Reading Agency. Tingle Press lists it as an event worth your time and is not the organiser. Check the organiser's website for final details.