A look back at the National Year of Reading

Let's discuss the National Year of Reading, and your most important books this year! 2026 has been the National Year of Reading as part of the Government's efforts to improve Literacy across Britain. We want to look back at how the year went, what impact it has made, and how 2027 could be even better! Over the last two months, we have been collecting our own data- from you! At events this autumn, we have asked what your favourite, most important, or, in fact, most impactful book has been this year. Join us as we examine and discuss Sunderland Readers' trends this year with our panel of experts, and wrap up 2026 with our final panel of the year! Joining us on the panel will be: Emma Whitehall is an autistic author and bookseller from the North East of England. She’s passionate about writing funny fantasy novels for young readers that feature real and authentic neurodivergent representation. A reviewer for her Teen novel Heretical likened it to ‘a Saturday morning cartoon,’ and it was the proudest moment of her career so far. Emma works at the bound, Whitley Bay (part of the award-winning Forum Books) as a children’s bookseller. She also writes articles about books, publishing and writing, and has been featured in The Bookseller and Mslexia magazines. She has a SECRET PROJECT in the works for March 2028, but cannot say anything more than that right now. ;) Other panellists TBC 6:30 pm Doors Open 7 - 7:50 pm Panel Discussion 8 pm Performance 8:15 pm Audience Discussion Sunderland Lit & Phil CIC is a volunteer-led community organisation creating a living social archive of Sunderland. Tickets are open to everyone; our Members who support us through Patreon tickets are included with membership.