Isle of Wight libraries are celebrating the power of reading and literacy as part of this year’s Libraries Week (1st-7th June).
With 2026 marking the National Year of Reading, the theme of the annual campaign is ‘Libraries Change Lives through literacy and reading’.
The initiative, led by the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals (CILIP), aims to shine a spotlight on the vital role library services play in communities across the UK.
On the Isle of Wight, library staff have been gathering first-hand accounts from residents about the difference local libraries have made to them.
These personal stories are being shared on the Isle of Wight Libraries Facebook page throughout the week.
As part of the celebrations, a series of pop-up libraries will be taking place across the Island. Residents can find library staff at Morrisons in Lake on Wednesday, (3rd June), and at St Mary’s Hospital on Friday (5th June, between 10:00 and 15:00.
The sessions are designed to introduce people to the range of services available, both in branches and online.
Visitors will be able to sign up for membership, ask questions, and discover everything from digital resources to community events — and there may even be a few giveaways on offer.
The programme of events continues later in the month, with creative workshops planned for younger residents.
On Saturday 20th June, Lord Louis Library will host a ‘learn to crochet’ workshop for teenagers, run in partnership with New Carnival.
A further book-making workshop will take place at Ryde Library on Wednesday 1st July. Both activities are funded by The Reading Agency as part of the National Year of Reading celebrations.
Library organisers say workshops like these are a key part of what modern library services provide, helping people learn new skills, build confidence and connect with others.
Further details on how to book a place at the crochet and book-making sessions will be released on the library service’s website in due course.
Residents can find out more about Libraries Week events and the full range of services available by visiting the Isle of Wight Council website or following Isle of Wight Libraries on Facebook.
Especially spelling news headlines!!
Oh please! Libaries – really? Does no one even use spellcheck any longer?