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We’re Going All In for the Year of Reading 2026!

Friday 16 January

Stories have the power to spark imagination, open doors to new worlds and build confidence. During the National Year of Reading, we are proud to celebrate the power of written words by championing storytelling in all its forms.

Inspired by Roald Dahl’s belief that stories should be a little bit magical, the Museum is supporting the national campaign through engaging storytelling, creative workshops and inspiring learning programmes.

The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign designed to help more people rediscover the joy of reading, an initiative from the Department for Education in partnership with the National Literacy Trust. It aims to help reverse the decline in reading for pleasure seen across all age groups.

"These books gave Matilda a hopeful and comforting message:

You are not alone."

Matilda, Roald Dahl

Unlocking a love of stories

At the Museum we use the power of Roald Dahl’s words to unlock a love of stories in our visitors every day. In 2026 our programme will be packed with:

Active, engaging storytelling delivered by our expert storytellers. These lively sessions bring Roald Dahl stories off the page and into the imaginations of our young visitors creating a fun, low-pressure environment where stories are enjoyed and celebrated.

Creative, hands-on workshops that weave Roald Dahl’s words, inspiration and creative craft into exciting creations. With Museum staff giving glimpses of the stories, illustrations and treasures from Roald Dahl’s archive as inspiration, these sessions give children different, practical ways to experience stories and books.

Opportunities to get right into the heart of a story. From meeting Matilda face-to-face to peeking into Roald Dahl’s Writing Hut and seeing where all his stories were written, the Museum galleries are packed with endless opportunities for the stories to come alive.

All these help support the National Year of Reading’s aim to build confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of books.

“George loves being read to but has never been much of a reader. He was so inspired by his visit to the Museum that he’s been trying to read Fantastic Mr Fox himself.”

Museum visitor

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Stories through Schools

Our award-winning schools programme inspires around 8,000 school children each year onsite and online and will continue to do so in 2026. This year we’ll expand our SEND programme and Home Education sessions to reach even more children.

In our sessions pupils experiment with language and creative ideas in the same playful and inventive spirit that Roald Dahl championed. Through immersive workshops, hands-on activities, and expert facilitation, children engage with stories in ways that feel exciting and accessible. By combining literary heritage with practical literacy skills, the museum supports teachers in bringing reading and writing to life beyond the classroom.

“It’s easy to say ‘use your imagination’ but this has given me the tools to do that.”

Teacher, onsite visit

See the World through Glittering Eyes

This year we’ll continue our ongoing relationship with Chesham Waterside Primary Academy. Ove the last four years we’ve worked with them on our exciting ‘Glittering Eyes’ initiative. This is an outreach project where we help pupils experience Roald Dahl’s stories and creative process through an exploration of their local area. This is based on Roald’s idea that magic, wonder and inspiration can be found in the most unlikely and ordinary places if you can watch the world around you with “glittering eyes”.

In previous years we’ve worked with professional artists to enable the students to create their own book based on the magic and inspiration they have experienced on their doorstep.

“And above all, watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you because

the greatest secrets

are always hidden in the most unlikely places."

Billy and the Minpins, Roald Dahl

Stories for all

Our work isn’t limited by our walls! As well as our outreach in a local school and online school sessions we also work in a local prison to offer monthly family story sessions. 2026 will be our third year of championing quality family time for children who are not usually able to experience it — and we use the power of stories to enable us to do this.

Books and stories become the foundation of these visits helping to reduce anxiety and promoting relationships during prison visits which can sometimes be unsettling for children. Children are given books they can take home which encourages shared reading and learning that continues at home. Reading stories also helps with the men’s reading skills which can help reduce the chances of reoffending.

“The sessions support… positive identity. ‘I am a father, I am a storyteller, I am capable of giving something valuable to my child.'”

Prison Director of Education