National Year of Reading

The National Year of Reading is about enjoying reading in ways that work for you.

The theme is Go All In. If you are into it. Read into it.

It is about reading more of what you already love and discovering new interests along the way. That is why we are inviting you to come back and check our monthly themes, and discover more about the things you love to read about.

We are supporting the National Year of Reading by encouraging people to read more for pleasure, through a programme of free author events and themed activities taking place across the county.

What is happening in Kent

Throughout the year, libraries across Kent will be promoting reading for pleasure through:

• monthly reading themes
• library events and reading groups
• free author talks and special events
• book displays and reading lists.

What’s on offer will change each month, giving you new ways to get involved.

October’s theme - explore local

This month, our theme of 'explore local' shines a spotlight on Kent's places, stories and authors. We’ll be encouraging you to discover books with strong local connections, and to explore the Garden of England through reading.

Our book of the month for October, Murder at St Alfred’s, is set in Whitstable and written by Kent-based author, Julie Wassmer. The newest book in the Whitstable Pearl crime series (now a major TV drama) sees private detective and restaurateur Pearl Nolan solve a classic whodunnit at the local church, with Agatha Christie-style reveals and cosy crime mystery thrills.

Our explore local booklist has also been created to help you discover books set in Kent, books inspired by the local area, and books written by Kent authors.

Reserve and borrow your copy of October’s book of the month, and discover our explore local recommended reads.

Discover Kent's History

Kent Archives

Learn, explore and develop your knowledge of Kent's history.

Kent Archives holds the largest collection of historic material relating to the ancient county of Kent dating back to 699 AD, from the earliest charters written on sheepskin to the present state of the art digital images. Our archive and local history collections tell the story of Kent and beyond, and are a focal point for the county’s heritage and culture.

The collections tell the stories of people’s lives and their communities through diaries, eyewitness accounts, records of crime and punishment, titles to property, newspapers, photographs, maps and posters, and more.

To learn more about Kent Archives collections, research services, conservation work, parish registers and events, and to help plan your visit to the Search Room at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone, visit the Kent Archives website.

New exhibition

As part of the National Year of Reading, and produced for Heritage Open Days 2026 by the Kent Archives team, you can visit a small exhibition at the Kent History and Library Centre in Maidstone – ‘Every Day’s a School day: Learning and Literacy in Bygone Kent’, with books and documents chosen from the collections to demonstrate the theme across a range of periods.

Admission to view the exhibition is free, and it’s available to visit during normal opening hours.

Archives talks

Kent Archives offer a programme of lunchtime talks throughout the year. Admission is free but booking is strongly advised. To book onto upcoming events email archives@kent.gov.uk .

• 12 October at 1pm at the Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone.

Captain Swing in Kent, 1830-1831: Revolt and Repression

Presented by Dr John Bulaitis (Canterbury Christ Church University)

Learn about the events in Kent that were crucial in the genesis and evolution of a massive movement of agricultural labourers against poverty, unemployment, threshing machines and the workhouse.

• 9 November at 1pm at the Kent History and Library Centre, Maidstone.

Lost Landscapes of the East Kent Downs: Toundaries, Tuins, Tramps and Bournes

Presented by Dan Tuson (Natural England)

A farm conservation advisor explores the ephemeral nature of the English countryside.

Watch some of our past Kent Archives talk on our YouTube channel.

Local history collections in libraries

Many of our libraries hold local history and heritage collections for you to explore, including non-fiction reference material, ephemera, photographs and more.

Contact your local library team to find out more.

Explore Kent Archives’ Getting Started in Local History Guide.

House history guide

Who lives in a house like this? Investigate the history of your home, and discover the extensive archival sources that can be used to undertake your research.

Explore Kent Archives’ How to Research the History of your House Guide.

Family history

Did you know? You can carry out a free family history search and research your family tree at your local library! Bring your backstory to life with free access to Ancestry and Find My Past in Kent Libraries.

Learn more about the free research and reference resources available to you.

Get involved

There is no right or wrong way to take part in the National Year of Reading.

Why not:

• visit your local library
• join a reading group
• try an eBook, audiobook or eMagazine
• attend a library event or author talk.

Every bit of reading counts.

Look out for National Year of Reading activities

Some library activities are part of the National Year of Reading. These include reading groups, Storytimes and more for all ages.

Look for free author talks and special events for the National Year of Reading.