Reading comes in many forms – and every one of them counts

For some people reading comes easily. For others, like me, it doesn’t.

I was a young adult when I discovered I was dyslexic and growing up I often found reading frustrating. Once I understood why I found it difficult I was able to build a better relationship with books and now I love listening to audiobooks and podcasts in my spare time.

I found my way into stories, ideas and learning, just through a different door and that’s one of the reasons I welcome Labour working with the National Literacy Trust to name 2026 the National Year of Reading.

Many children in Blackpool may think they “don’t like reading” when really they just haven’t found the format that works for them yet. Some fall in love with comics and graphic novels. Others with magazines, football stats, recipes or stories on a tablet. Audiobooks, e-books and digital reading all count too. These are not shortcuts – they are valuable, meaningful reading experiences.

Reading unlocks everything else education has to offer. It builds confidence, improves wellbeing and opens the door to every subject at school. Yet only one in three children now say they enjoy reading, and too many are being held back simply because they haven’t been given the right support or access.

That’s why this national effort matters. A huge national campaign, The National Year of Reading aims to reconnect people of all ages with a love of reading. Premier League star Leah Williamson, authors Cressida Cowell, George the Poet, Micheal Morpurgo and Julia Donaldson, as well as social media star Jack Edwards alongside Richard Osman and Joe Wicks are just some of the ambassadors who will use their voices and platforms to encourage the nation to get reading.

Here in Blackpool, our libraries are a gateway to reading in all its forms, offering books, comics, audiobooks, digital resources and welcoming spaces for families and young people to explore what works for them.

The National Year of Reading is a reminder that schools can’t educate our children alone. Families, carers and communities all have a role to play. Even ten minutes of reading a day can make a difference – whether listening to a story, sharing a comic, or reading together in whatever way feels right.

Reading is not about perfection. It’s about possibility. If we broaden what reading looks like, more children will discover that stories are for them too.