LOCAL Monmouth schools are getting ready to ‘Go All In’ for reading this year as part of the official launch of the National Year of Reading 2026.

Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, Monmouth Comprehensive School, Monmouth Community Hub and Library, local community and creative groups including Empty SpaceCIC Living Windows, the U3A and more who are willing to collaborate to celebrate, champion and inspire reading in all its forms over the coming months as part of the Department for Education UK wide initiative.

There will be a range of events covered throughout the year including a range of joint author visits, competitions, community sessions and story-telling events, displays, exhibitions.

Authors have already confirmed to speak to students including M.G Leonard, Daniel Morden, Ben Kane and Sion Tomos Owen.

Head of Haberdashers’ Monmouth School, Mr. Melvyn Roffe, said: “Reading is the gateway to so many incredible ideas, fascinating people and exciting new worlds. Haberdashers’ Monmouth School is delighted to be working with partners to celebrate the National Year of Reading in Monmouth and the surrounding area.

“I’m sure it will be a fantastic experience for our community.”

Head of Monmouth Comprehensive School, Mr Hugo Hutchison said: “We are really excited to celebrate the National Year of Reading, 2026. Reading is of the utmost importance to our young people.

“We feel incredibly lucky to be partnering with other local schools and community groups, forging productive relationships and creating inspired shared experiences for our young people together.

“We have many exciting events planned over the course of the year, and I hope that this partnership extends beyond the official initiative for 2026.”

Students and community groups are also really looking forward to participating in the NYOR, including Haberdashers’ Monmouth School student Olive, who said: I am really excited for all the events and author visits, and I feel it will encourage everyone to read more.”

Fellow pupil Dima, said: “It’s great to see people being intrigued about reading and learning more and getting involved in reader together.”

Monmouth Comprehensive School pupil, Dan said: Reading is such a great way to learn and experience while having fun. The 2026 Year of Reading is going to promote this.”

Monmouth Library Lead, Lydia Dowding, explained how exciting it was for the whole community to get behind the campaign:

“The National Year of Reading is an excellent opportunity to get Monmouth reading. We’re thrilled to be working with Monmouth’s schools on this initative. By joining forces, we’re creating opportunities for young people to discover the joy of reading beyond the classroom and to connect with their local library as a lifelong resource.”

Helen Wragg, Chair of the Rolls Hall Strategy Group and Co Director of Living Windows, said: “This is the perfect initiative to celebrate Monmouth as a significant centre of education and learning.”

Monmouth, u3a Chair, Averil MacDonald, said: “Monmouth u3a has many avid readers and several Reading Groups taking pleasure from literature and poetry, and our members enjoy bringing the joy of reading to our grandchildren.

“We look forward to bringing our experience, enthusiasm and wisdom to support Monmouth’s Year of Reading initiatives with truly multigenerational engagement as recommended in the government’s campaign ambitions.”