Across the borough, Walsall’s network of community libraries and mobile library service continue to provide access to books, digital resources, reading groups and community activities for residents of all ages. Libraries work with local schools, community organisations and voluntary sector partners to support reading, learning and skills development throughout the year.
“ Reading plays an important role in our health, wellbeing and lifelong learning, and the National Year of Reading is a timely reminder of how powerful it can be.
Councillor Gary Flint, Portfolio Holder for Culture, Health and Wellbeing at Walsall Council
Through our community libraries, mobile service and digital resources, residents have access to a wide range of materials and activities that support reading at every stage.
Whether it’s borrowing a book, joining a reading group, or exploring audiobooks and magazines online, there are plenty of ways for people of all ages to get involved and reconnect with reading in a way that suits them. “
The National Year of Reading 2026, led by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust, aims to address the decline in reading for pleasure. Research published in 2025 found that one in three young people aged 8 to 18 reported enjoying reading in their free time. The campaign theme, ‘Go All In’, encourages people to connect reading with their existing interests, from music and sport to food, film and family life, promoting reading in all its forms.
In Walsall, residents can take part in the campaign through the wide range of services, groups and digital resources already available across the borough’s libraries.
Walsall Community Libraries
Walsall is home to seven community libraries and a mobile and home library service, which delivers resources to vulnerable members of the community:
Libraries provide free, safe and welcoming spaces for residents of all ages. Friendly staff support a wide range of enquiries, and Walsall Community Libraries work closely with local schools, Children’s Services, BookTrust, The Reading Agency and the National Literacy Trust and many more.
Details of the mobile library timetable can be found at: https://go.walsall.gov.uk/walsall-libraries/our-libraries/mobile-library-services
Digital reading resources
Walsall Library members can access over 8,000 bestselling eAudiobooks, eBooks and a wide range of national magazines, daily or Sunday papers free of charge through the BorrowBox and PressReader apps. Those with Walsall Library memberships also have access to a number of free digital services.
To find out more about Walsall’s 24/7 online library services, visit: http://go.walsall.gov.uk/walsall-libraries/resources/247-online-library
Top titles
Walsall Libraries have released a list of their most borrowed adult fiction books for 2025, aiming to inspire residents participating in the National Year of Reading who may be seeking inspiration for their next read.
Top 5 Adult Fiction titles:
Top 5 Children’s Fiction titles:
Regular reading groups
Walsall Libraries host a range of regular reading groups and activities. Monthly reading groups are currently held at:
Summer Reading Challenge
To encourage children to continue reading and build confidence over the school holidays, Walsall Libraries will once again take part in the annual Summer Reading Challenge, organised by The Reading Agency and delivered in partnership with public libraries nationwide.
The challenge, which takes place during the Summer, invites children to read six or more library books, helping them maintain reading skills and confidence throughout the break.
The challenge is open to all reading levels and includes picture books, early readers, non‑fiction and books for confident readers. Audiobooks and eBooks also count towards completion. All items must be borrowed using a Walsall Library card.
Children can also take part online at https://summerreadingchallenge.org.uk/
Volunteering Opportunities
Walsall Libraries work closely with local community groups and the voluntary sector to offer a wide range of rewarding volunteering opportunities. Each library is supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers who are committed to delivering an excellent service for residents.
Volunteering roles are open to residents aged 16+ who can demonstrate:
• Patience and a supportive approach to customer enquiries
• Experience of working in a customer-facing environment (beneficial but not essential)
• Confidence using computers and common applications such as email, the internet and Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Publisher
Those interested in becoming volunteering opportunities can contact the library team at: infoexpress@walsall.gov.uk
Walsall Libraries also collaborate with a range of community groups and organisations to facilitate access to council services, provide assistance with job searches, and promote creativity among children and parents through activities such as Rhyme Time and Lego clubs across the borough. The popularity of IT services continues to grow, enabling residents to enhance their digital skills and address barriers to learning.
To find out more about what’s on at Walsall Libraries, visit: go.walsall.gov.uk/walsall-libraries.
