Everything changes when you read.

We’re a UK charity with a mission to empower people of all ages to read.

The Reading Agency

Reading for pleasure and empowerment makes us more aware and informed. It helps us grow our imaginations. It makes us more empathetic and understanding of other people and cultures. It supports our health and wellbeing. It increases our ability to learn new skills. It helps us to communicate our ideas more effectively. It opens doors. It brings joy.

Please donate to support our work.

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£81 billion a year in lost earnings and welfare spending due to low levels of literacy.

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1 in 4 children don’t reach the expected level of reading by the age of 11

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A navy graphic that reads '500 Words 2023'. At the top is the BBC's logo.

BBC’s 500 Words 2024

500 Words, the UK’s most successful writing competition run by the BBC is back! The competition will be open from Tuesday 26 September to Friday 10 November 2023.


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Library Facts

Explore key facts about libraries, including the numbers of libraries, the demographics of library users and the outcomes of using libraries.

A photo of an Asian man reading a small child a book. There are bookshelves behind them.

Reading Facts

We want to create a world where everyone is reading their way to a better life. Explore UK-wide reading statistics and facts.

The Reading Agency

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