Reading in Prison Day and the Power of Literacy Behind Bars

Last week, Novus colleagues joined others from across the prison education and library sectors for the annual Reading in Prison Day event, organised by the Prison Reading Group (PRG). The event provided an opportunity to share good practice, celebrate innovation, and explore the transformative role reading plays within prison environments.

The event comes at a particularly significant time, as the UK marks the National Year of Reading 2026, a nationwide campaign encouraging people of all ages to rediscover the benefits and enjoyment of reading. The initiative highlights the growing importance of reading for wellbeing, personal development, confidence and lifelong learning.

For those working in prison education, these messages resonate strongly. Reading is often the first step towards building confidence, developing communication skills, improving mental wellbeing, and opening doors to further education and employment opportunities.

Why Reading Matters in Prison

Reading initiatives in prisons create far more than opportunities to improve literacy. They help individuals build self-confidence, develop critical thinking skills, strengthen relationships, and engage positively with education.

At Novus, we see first-hand how reading can act as a gateway to learning and personal growth. Whether through classroom-based activities, reading groups, library partnerships or wider enrichment programmes, reading helps learners develop the skills and confidence needed to progress both during custody and beyond release.

The Reading in Prison Day event reinforced this message throughout the day, with speakers and practitioners sharing examples of how reading can inspire change and support rehabilitation.

Celebrating Good Practice Across the Prison Estate

The keynote address was delivered by Charlie Taylor, Chief Inspector of Prisons, who spoke passionately about the importance of reading within custodial settings and the role it plays in supporting rehabilitation.

During his presentation, Charlie highlighted examples of strong practice he had observed during recent prison visits, including work taking place in prisons where Novus operate, such as HMP Rye Hill and HMP Frankland.

A recurring theme throughout the day was the importance of leadership in creating a culture where reading is valued. Amy Frost, Governor at HMP Wormwood Scrubs, shared her experiences of championing reading initiatives across the prison, demonstrating how senior leadership support can help embed reading opportunities into everyday prison life.

Innovative Reading Programmes Making a Difference

The event showcased a range of successful reading initiatives being delivered across the prison estate.

One particularly inspiring session focused on Reading the Way, a programme that uses informal group discussions to build confidence, literacy skills and social connection through shared reading experiences. Novus played a role in the development of the programme and continues to support its ongoing success through the involvement of colleagues including Esther Kelly.

Another session explored how philosophy and literature can be used as powerful engagement tools. Andy West discussed his programme Waiting for the Out, explaining how philosophical discussion can encourage curiosity, reflection and participation, often acting as a stepping stone into wider educational opportunities, including reading and formal learning.

The event also featured a conversation between acclaimed screenwriter Richard Curtis and Caroline Hutton, where Curtis reflected on his own reading journey and how a love of books helped shape his creative career.

Supporting the National Year of Reading

As part of the National Year of Reading, prisons across the country will receive additional copies of the popular Quick Reads titles, helping to increase access to engaging and accessible books for learners at different stages of their reading journey. Novus colleague, Esther Kelly is contributing to discussions around how these resources can be distributed effectively within prisons and integrated into existing reading provision.

The initiative reflects a growing national recognition that reading can be a powerful tool for tackling barriers to learning and improving outcomes for individuals from all backgrounds.

Reading as a Foundation for Rehabilitation

One of the strongest messages from Reading in Prison Day was that reading is not simply an educational activity. It is a rehabilitative tool that can support confidence, wellbeing, communication, employability and personal development.

These principles align closely with Novus' mission to transform lives through education. Across the prison estate, Novus teams continue to deliver innovative literacy programmes, support reading initiatives, collaborate with library services, and create opportunities for learners to discover the lifelong benefits of reading.

As the National Year of Reading continues, events such as Reading in Prison Day provide an important reminder that access to books, reading opportunities and supportive learning environments can help unlock potential and create positive futures.

By working together across education, libraries and prison services, we can continue to build a culture where reading is accessible, valued and transformative for every learner. Please visit our news section for more reading case studies.