World Book Day is always a highlight in the calendar – a chance to celebrate stories, imagination, and the power of reading. But this year feels particularly special. As we mark World Book Day 2026 in the middle of the National Year of Reading, it’s an important moment to reflect not only on the joy books bring, but on why reading matters so profoundly for our children, our communities, and our future workforce.

For Business in the Community Northern Ireland (BITCNI), reading is more than a pastime – it’s a powerful tool for social change. And through our Time to Read programme, we are privileged to see the impact that reading support, encouragement and human connection can have on a child’s confidence, wellbeing, and life chances.

 

Why Reading Matters – Now More Than Ever

The National Literacy Trust’s 2025 research on children and young people in Northern Ireland paints a sobering picture:

• Fewer than 3 in 10 (28.9%) children aged 8–18 enjoy reading in their free time.
• Only 1 in 6 (16.9%) read every day.
• Enjoyment drops sharply during secondary school, particularly for boys and pupils from lower‑income backgrounds.

Yet the benefits of reading are clear and compelling:

• Higher academic achievement
• Better career outcomes and increased earnings
• Improved focus, empathy, wellbeing and confidence
• Stronger communication and critical‑thinking skills

Children who enjoy reading are significantly more likely to read regularly – and regular readers are more likely to succeed both in school and beyond. The research shows a strong positive link between enjoyment and frequency.

In other words: when children want to read, everything else follows.

What Children Tell Us They Need

Children and young people in NI are very clear about what would motivate them to read more:

• Books that match their hobbies and interests (50.6%)
• Stories linked to films or TV (49%)
• Books with engaging covers or titles (43.4%)
• Freedom to choose what they read (39.4%)

This reinforces something Time to Read volunteers see every day:
children thrive when reading feels fun, relevant and theirs.

Celebrating Our Time to Read Volunteers

This World Book Day, we want to shine a light on the hundreds of incredible volunteers from BITC NI member companies who give up their time each week to help children develop a love of reading.

They:

• build relationships that help children feel valued;
• create space for curiosity, conversation and confidence;
• introduce children to books that spark imagination and joy;
• support teachers by giving one‑to‑one encouragement;
• act as positive role models who show that reading matters far beyond school.

Time to Read volunteers make reading personal and powerful. And in many cases, they help a child get the reading bug for the first time.

Why Reading Matters for the World of Work

In an era where employers increasingly value adaptability, communication, and problem‑solving, literacy is not a “nice to have” – it is foundational.

Strong literacy supports:

• Communication skills: writing clear emails, reports, and presentations
• Critical thinking: analysing information, evaluating risks
• Problem‑solving: understanding complex instructions or data
• Creativity and innovation: the ability to imagine possibilities
• Confidence: speaking up, contributing ideas, engaging with colleagues

From apprentices to senior leaders, reading underpins success in every job role. When a child learns to read well – and to enjoy reading – they gain skills that stay with them for life.

How BITCNI Member Companies Can Make a Difference

This National Year of Reading, World Book Day is the perfect moment for our network to step forward.

Your organisation can:

1. Volunteer through Time to Read

Encourage staff to give one hour a week to support local children. It’s meaningful, enjoyable, and profoundly impactful.

2. Promote reading for pleasure in the workplace

Create reading corners, book swap shelves, lunchtime book clubs, or internal reading campaigns.

3. Share stories of your own reading journey

Children – and adults – are inspired by seeing others read.

4. Support access to books

Donate books to partner schools, libraries, or community groups; sponsor school library projects; or host book‑themed events.

5. Encourage parents and carers in your workforce

Provide tips, workshops, or resources on supporting reading at home – especially for families who may lack confidence.

A Year to Read, and a Day to Celebrate

World Book Day 2026 gives us the ideal platform to inspire a renewed love of reading across Northern Ireland. Combined with the National Year of Reading, it offers opportunities to spotlight literacy, engage volunteers, empower children, and champion the role that reading plays in shaping brighter futures.

But most importantly:
It’s a moment to remember that every child deserves to discover the joy of reading – and every business has a role to play in making that happen.

Thank you to all our Time to Read volunteers, and to every member company helping to raise awareness of how reading can change lives.

Here’s to a year – and a future – full of readers. Let’s #GoAllIn2026 together!