Join the Trowers Reading Challenge for the National Year of Reading 2026!

As part of our Social Mobility Network’s commitment to celebrating literacy and learning, we’re delighted to launch the Trowers Reading Challenge for the National Year of Reading 2026—a year long initiative encouraging people of all ages to rediscover the joy of reading.

The National Literacy Trust (NLT), in partnership with the UK Government, has designated 2026 as a nationwide moment to spotlight the power of reading and improve literacy across the UK. As proud signatories of the NLT’s Vision for Literacy Business Pledge, we’re supporting this effort by inviting everyone—colleagues, clients, families, and communities—to “Go All In” and explore the stories, authors and genres that inspire them.

What Is the Trowers Reading Challenge? 

Running from World Book Day 2026 (5 March 2026) to World Book Day 2027 (4 March 2027), the challenge centres around a 24 prompt Reading Bingo Board designed to spark curiosity, celebrate diverse voices, and promote reading for pleasure in any form.

Why take part?

The spirit of the Reading Challenge sits closely with who we are as a firm, and our values help explain why it matters: 

• We believe in a more equitable society - According to the National Literacy Trust, more than 7 million adults in the UK have “very poor” literacy skills, 1 in 10 disadvantaged children do not own a single book, and only 1 in 3 children say they enjoy reading.  Strong literacy skills empower people to access education, employment opportunities and improved life chances. 
• We are not afraid to be human - Everyone comes to reading differently -  some devour books, others haven’t picked one up in years. This challenge is designed to encourage reading in whatever format and in whatever way you are able to fit it into your life.
• We collaborate - Reading for pleasure strengthens empathy, boosts creativity and critical thinking, improves wellbeing, and supports children’s long term outcomes. By taking part together across teams, offices, families and communities, we turn an individual habit into a shared one.
• We are driven by innovation - This is a unique, accessible initiative designed to meet people wherever they are on their reading journey.
• We savour success - By taking part, we’re not just celebrating books,  we’re helping to tackle the literacy gap and build a more inclusive, socially mobile society. Every book finished and every square completed is worth recognising. Share progress and completed boards on LinkedIn and let’s celebrate what we achieve together! 

Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that:

• More than 7 million adults in the UK have very poor literacy skills
• 1 in 10 disadvantaged children do not own a single book
• Only 1 in 3 children say they enjoy reading

Reading for pleasure not only strengthens literacy—it can also:

• Improve mental wellbeing and reduce stress
• Build empathy and broaden understanding of different experiences
• Boost vocabulary, creativity and critical thinking
• Support children’s educational outcomes and long-term opportunities

Choose Your Challenge

By taking part, you’ll be helping champion reading at a time when it matters more than ever—and contributing to a more inclusive, socially mobile society.

A Challenge for Everyone

The Trowers Reading Challenge is designed for readers of all ages and backgrounds. Families, children, friends, schools and community groups are warmly encouraged to get involved.
Download the bingo board, choose your prompts, and make reading a shared adventure throughout 2026.
If you know clients, partners, organisations or community groups who may be interested, please feel free to pass the challenge on.

How to Take Part

• Email: TrowersReadingChallenge@trowers.com or download the digital bingo board and bookmarks directly from this page.
• Track your books using your bingo board.
• Email your completed board to us to receive your Certificate of Completion.
• Share your reading journey on LinkedIn using:
  #TrowersReadingChallenge
  #NationalYearOfReading2026
  
  

What does the Trowers Team say

"A book can take you anywhere. By choosing authors with different perspectives… we broaden our own – one chapter at a time."
Rebekah Gougeon, Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Manager

"Books have always been an escape and a way to understand the world… they are a uniquely portable magic."
Jane Kirkham, Senior Associate and member of the Social Mobility & LGBTQ+ Networks

"Each story we share helps nurture imagination whilst strengthening reading and writing skills."
Andrew Maidment, Head of Risk and Social Mobility Network Member

"Reading is one of the most powerful tools for social mobility… I encourage colleagues and their families to get involved and rediscover the enjoyment and impact of reading."
Paul Marco, Managing Partner

Share the Challenge

The Reading Challenge is perfect for families, children and communities, too.
Download the bingo board below and encourage others to join the adventure.

For any questions, email: TrowersReadingChallenge@trowers.com

Join us, and help make 2026 a year shaped by stories, imagination and discovery.