Wee Read Campaign 2026

 

Most of us may have a wee read every day, which can include, but is not limited to, reading and do not identify with being a reader. Despite the fact that most of us may have a wee read every day, which can include and is not limited to reading the news, graphic novels, recipes, letters, emails, and even social media posts and content. The Wee Read campaign, which takes place on the 7th of October this year, celebrates all forms of reading. Whilst also encouraging individuals and communities to incorporate reading for leisure into their everyday lives and routines, whether this is for the first time in a long time or more often than they usually already do.

 

Fun Facts about Reading…

 

  • There is a strong link between reading for leisure in childhood and better academic performance and mental well-being later in an individual’s life.
  • Reading for leisure has a more significant influence and impact on a child’s cognitive development than their parent’s level of education or socioeconomic background.
  • Studies have shown that those who read for leisure often have higher self-esteem and resilience. Reading regularly for leisure is also associated with better sleeping patterns and quality.
  • Higher literacy rates are associated with higher employment rates and wages. Career progression is strongly linked to an individual’s level of literacy.
  • Reading for leisure has academic, economic, and socioeconomic benefits – 44% of those who identified as regular readers reported better mental health and well-being. This is compared with 23% of those who rarely or never read for leisure. This could coincide with the other various benefits that reading has, one of which is better sleeping patterns as mentioned!

 

All facts and statistics can be found in the Wee Read website. The benefits of reading for leisure for health, well-being, longevity, the economy, quality of life, and community are vast. This is a big part of why we and many other library institutions across Scotland have chosen to promote the Wee Read campaign this year.

 

Our participation in this year’s Wee Read campaign…

 

The Wee Read campaign is primarily run by libraries across Scotland, in collaboration with mental health charities, book retailers, educational institutions, and third-sector organisations, to promote reading nationally. One of the main objectives of this campaign is also to encourage patrons to use their local libraries more! Edinburgh Napier University campus libraries will be participating in the Wee Read campaign taking place this year on the 7th of October.

We will be setting up displays in our three campus libraries featuring fiction, poetry, graphic novels, comics, manga, and some non-fiction titles on wellbeing and general life. Some titles will also be set aside for a “Blind Date with a Book” activity where we will get willing patrons to take a slip from the desk with a number that will assign them a corresponding text to read for the Wee Read challenge.

 

Don’t worry! If the title does not sound like your cup of tea, you do not need to, borrow it or take it out on loan. This is simply an attempt to encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and discover new reads, genres, and books that may surprise you and that you might not usually read or pick up in a local bookstore or library! Have a book suggestion of your own that you would like to share? Feedback boxes and slips will also be put up in all three of our campus libraries where you can write any book recommendations you may have and share them with us.

What patrons have to say about public libraries…

 

Public libraries make reading free and accessible to all, but this is not the only purpose that they serve in society. They also serve as vital community hubs that provide patrons with digital access, printing facilities, Wi-Fi, and a quiet, warm space to study, read, or rest. It is a safe space where individuals can remain indefinitely without obligation to pay for any services. Public libraries welcome all patrons and serve a vastly diverse audience that may include people with protected characteristics.

 

Overall, many individuals greatly value public libraries – the Wee Read website has feedback recorded and highlighted regarding the positive impact public libraries have had on patron’s lives and the lives of their loved ones as well. Some of the quoted feedback is as follows:

 

  • “Libraries rekindled my passion for reading and studying. I wish I had discovered public libraries sooner.”
  • “Our local library is a village hub where people come together. It fosters a love of reading across all ages in the community and is a vital resource.”
  • “Since having children, the library isn’t just for my pleasure (browsing/borrowing books) but to encourage this love of reading for them.”
  • “It’s a comfort to know that I can easily access reading material at no cost whatever happens in my life but also have access to knowledgeable, professional staff who are kind and willing to help.”

 

Our Displays on Campus…

 

Our Wee Read campaign displays have been set up in all three of our campus libraries and have numbered slips to take and then bring to our library helpdesks where a member of our library team will issue you the book corresponding with the number on the slip you have selected. We also have suggestion boxes where you can write and post recommendations in for what could be included for the next Wee Read campaign and perhaps even to be added into our own library stock!

 

 

Got any questions about the Wee Read campaign 2026? Email library@napier.ac.uk, phone 0131 455 3500 or visit our library helpdesks during our staffed hours (Monday to Friday, 8:45am – 16:45pm).

 

By Rachel Downie