Representation Matters: We Belong In Every Story. See Us. Hear Us. Read Us.

The National Year of Reading 2026 is the biggest campaign in a generation designed to help more people discover and rediscover the joy of reading and make it part of their everyday lives.

Public libraries have been at the heart of the campaign welcoming new visitors, hosting creative events, and celebrating the joy of reading in every community.

Today’s blog has been written by Hackney Libraries sharing their reflections on the National Year of Reading in the communities they serve. 

Representation Matters: We Belong In Every Story. See Us. Hear Us. Read Us.

There is an undeniable energy that fills a library when a child sees themselves reflected in the pages of a book for the very first time. It is a moment of validation - a sudden realisation that their story, their background, and their voice truly matter. This was the electric spirit that defined the 2026 Children’s Black Book Fair UK at Dalston CLR James Library this August. With over 2,500 people joining us for this third annual celebration, it is clear that this fair is no longer just an event; it is a movement.

As we mark the National Year of Reading 2026, we’ve been reflecting on what it truly means to get a nation reading. At Hackney Libraries, we believe that reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success, but we also know that the playing field hasn’t always been level. If we are serious about the National Year of Reading, we must be serious about representation. We cannot simply tell children to read; we must provide the "mirrors" they need to see themselves reflected in the stories we offer.

That is exactly why this fair, delivered in deep partnership with LIT Stars CIC, has become such a flagship of our service. It’s an explicit recognition that libraries are essential social infrastructure, and they must be inclusive, vibrant hubs for every member of our community.

The day itself was a whirlwind of culture, creativity, and connection. From the moment the fair was officially opened by the legendary poet Linton Kwesi Johnson, the library was buzzing. We transformed Dalston Square into a vibrant Young Entrepreneur Market, giving young people aged under 25 a platform to showcase their talent. Inside, the library was alive with energy: families packed the storytelling marathons, children explored the "Eric Huntley Corner" to learn about our literary history, and the "Free Book Stop" - supported by our partners and the National Literacy Trust - ensured that children left with books they could own and cherish.

One of the most powerful moments for us was the unveiling of the "Hackney Writers Legacy Steps." This youth-led installation, which transformed our main staircase into a tribute to 48 Hackney-connected authors, poets, and storytellers, was a triumph. Conceived, designed, and delivered by our CBBF UK Youth Focus Group, these steps were a powerful reminder that our young people aren't just readers - they are creators, curators, and future legends in the making.

This fair is the "loudest" moment of our year, but it is supported by a year-round commitment. We work with LIT Stars CIC to ensure that Black literature is not a seasonal topic, but a central, consistent part of our collection and programming. The National Year of Reading has given us an incredible framework to highlight this work, but the daily reality for our staff - from the archives team to our library officers - is a constant, tireless mission to dismantle barriers to literacy.

Whether we are hosting reading or writing groups, homework or chess clubs, or curating diverse reading lists, we are aiming to reach the families who have historically felt sidelined by mainstream services. By making the library a sanctuary where African and African Caribbean culture is celebrated, we are not just helping children develop their reading skills; we are fostering a sense of belonging that lasts long after the fair has ended.

We are so proud of what the Children’s Black Book Fair UK achieved this year. It proved that when you combine grassroots passion with the institutional support of a local library, you create something transformative. As we continue through the National Year of Reading, we invite everyone to remember our theme: "We belong in every story." We are committed to making sure that every child in Hackney - and beyond - sees their own story reflected in the books we share.

We’re already looking forward to next year, but for now, we’re still riding the wave of an incredible August day. If you haven't been down to Dalston CLR James Library to see the Legacy Steps yet, we hope you will - they are on display throughout Black History Season and a reminder that in Hackney, great stories are written every single day.

About LIT Stars

LIT Stars CIC is a community-focused social enterprise dedicated to addressing the lack of representation of Black writers, characters, and stories in children’s literature. At Hackney Libraries, we know that without their partnership and invaluable contributions, we could never have achieved the incredible scale or impact of this project. Headed up by Juliet Coley, Romeo Bremmer, Yasmin McKenzie, and Cristina Cabral, the team brings a deep understanding of representation and the profound, transformative effect these stories have on our communities. They value the arts as an essential path to literacy and belonging, and their deep local knowledge and unique ability to connect with underserved families have been truly indispensable to our library service and mission.

Photos by: 

Laura Rose: The Pink Rose Photography 

Talhah Syed: Take 2 Photos West London