Celebrating Dorset Community Libraries in the National Year of Reading 2026!
By Judy Price and Trish Hook – Volunteers and Friends of Wool Community Library
In this the National Year of Reading, it’s good to feel there is a constant source of reading – whether magazines, comics, a computer screen, a picture book or even a book at one of the libraries, whether a public library or a community library.
The Home Library Service ensure reading matter can be delivered to your door whether you are temporarily or permanently housebound. You can order books which have been recommended, you have just read the review of, or are new releases. They can be ordered on-line or in person at the library, for free.
What are Community Libraries?
Community libraries are managed by dedicated local volunteers under their own Board led structures, with support from Dorset Council through provision of ICT equipment, stock and regular contact with Library Service colleagues. Volunteers ensure access to essential library services are tailored to local needs.
Variety of activities
Dependent on the size of the library, additional activities can be offered, such as story time, where volunteers visit local schools, or schools visit the library in small groups to familiarize themselves with all that is on offer. Stalbridge Library, as an example of this, also produce a newsletter, ‘Bookworm’, which is sent to local schools.
Another example is the provision of children’s activities, such as Lego clubs, Summer Reading Challenge and other reading opportunities.
Community Libraries in Dorset
There are 8 community libraries spread around Dorset – some small and part of a community building, others purpose-built, such as Colehill, Charmouth and Stalbridge are larger and therefore able to offer a wider variety of activities.
Each community managed library with support from Dorset Council provides free Wi-Fi, computers, scanners and offers sessions with a Volunteer Digital Champion, a group of volunteers offering free digital support sessions in libraries and other community buildings across Dorset.
DVDs, audiobooks, eBooks and CDs can also be borrowed from Community Libraries throughout Dorset. Drama sets and vocal scores are also available.
Borrowbox app
As a library member it is possible to download the free Borrowbox app. Where you can source free eBooks, audiobooks, newspapers, magazines and listen to book excerpts.
Setting up a Community Library
Community libraries are particularly suitable for setting up in converted, previously unloved and unused buildings.
Some are supported by local councils, whilst others have to engage in an enormous amount of fund raising to maintain their building and be in a position to offer the widest range of additional activities as possible, especially for children.
Most are registered charities in order to address all the legal requirements necessary for providing a safe public space and ensuring provision of information on activities planned and offered.
A variety of reading matter!
Whatever the size of the library there will be a comprehensive variety of board books, (as much as the room will allow!) for the first adventure into reading; picture books, story books, fiction and non-fiction for young people, biographies, local history, cookery and crafts, and last, but not least, lots and lots of crime – so many shelves of them.
Many of the books are available in large print – some already in the library and others which can be specifically requested and reserved, on line or in person.
For those involved in book clubs and / or reading groups, multiples of books can be ordered.
Run by local volunteers
Community libraries across Dorset rely heavily on the generous time and commitment of local volunteers. While Dorset Library Service provides essential core training, each library’s opening hours, services, and facilities vary according to the needs of the community and the availability of its volunteer team.
Activities at YOUR local community library...
A brief rundown on the various activities each community library offers is as follows and can be found on their individual websites along with opening days and times:
- Burton Bradstock – local history section, OS maps, information leaflets, jigsaws for loan.
- Colehill – Rhyme Time, Special Interest Groups, i.e., Family History, 100 book challenge.
- Corfe Castle offer ‘a Cuppa with a biscuit’ while you visit.
- Puddetown – ‘more than just book loan’ – have jigsaw afternoons and games afternoon and a children’s corner.
- Stalbridge – Bookworm Newsletter, Author Talks with local guest authors. They also offer a jigsaw lending library.
- Charmouth – the furthest west, as well as all the usual library services, have second-hand books for sale and also have a jigsaw lending library.
- Chickerell – a community hub for friendships, conversation, borrowing books, games, jigsaws, internet use, learning etc. and is the only place in Chickerell to offer computers as a learning resource with a printing and copying service.
- Wool – the smallest of the eight libraries, offering the same large range of services, Wool also has an active home library service taking the library to the community. There is an enthusiastic group of volunteers reading to local school children, both at their schools and within the library itself.
The National Year of Reading 2026
What it is: A UK-wide literacy campaign aimed at helping people of all ages rediscover the joy of reading and make reading a regular, enjoyable part of everyday life.
It’s not just about books — it celebrates reading in all its forms, including audiobooks, comics, blogs, articles and anything that helps people explore ideas and stories.
The goal: Reading for pleasure is in decline across many age groups — especially children and young people. The campaign’s mission is to reverse that trend by reconnecting reading with culture and people’s interests, rather than asking them to “find time to read.” Instead, it brings reading to where people already are — through music, sport, film, family time, hobbies and other passions.
How it works: The Go All In campaign encourages people to “If you’re into it, read into it” — meaning that whatever a person loves, reading can help deepen that interest.
There will be events, activities and resources throughout 2026 across the UK to make reading accessible and fun. These include partnerships with schools, libraries, community organisations, workplaces and cultural institutions.
Partnership and support: The initiative is a Department for Education campaign delivered by the National Literacy Trust with support from over 60 partners across the literacy sector. It brings together charities, educators, ambassadors, and volunteers to spread the message and build a lasting reading culture.
Wider impact: The campaign aims to inspire significant engagement — from visiting libraries to participating in storytelling events — and to lay the groundwork for a long-term cultural shift in how reading is valued and experienced in everyday life across the UK.
Find out more about the National Year of Reading at
