Thousands of free books to appear across Nottinghamshire this summer as Big City Reads returns
Young people across Nottinghamshire will be able to pick up free books this summer as Nottingham City of Literature brings back its Big City Reads campaign.
Running until August 12, the youth-centred initiative will distribute 2,250 free books across Nottingham city and county.
Among this year's featured authors is Nottingham-based writer Becki Jayne Crossley, whose novel Tart was partly written at Nottingham Central Library and has been selected as one of this year's Big City Reads titles.
The campaign launched with book giveaways across Nottingham, with free books now available at locations across the city and county.
In Nottinghamshire, readers can pick up copies at Inspire Libraries as well as county venues including Newstead Abbey.
Across Nottinghamshire, books are being distributed through libraires, schools, colleges, cafés, arts venues, community organisations and county visitor attractions, helping to reach young people who may not otherwise have access to books at home.
The campaign arrives as reading enjoyment among young people is on the rise.
Recent National Literacy Trust research shows an increase in reading for pleasure for the first time since 2021, with Big City Reads aiming to build on this positive momentum and inspire more teenagers to pick up a book.
The campaign's return also coincides with the National Year of Reading 2026, which is shining a spotlight on the value of reading, storytelling and literacy across the UK.
Nottingham City of Literature's response is focused on breaking down barriers by providing relevant books at zero cost, chosen by young people, for young people.
In a first for the campaign, most of the selected titles are also available free via the BorrowBox app for Nottingham City Libraries and Inspire Libraries members.
This expanded digital offer helps remove geographical and practical barriers to participation, ensuring young people can engage with the campaign wherever they are.
Hannah Trevarthen, director of Nottingham City of Literature, said: "We're delighted to be bringing Big City Reads back for another year and putting young people at the heart of the campaign.
"These aren't books chosen by adults for teenagers – they're books chosen by young people, for other young people.
"This year, for the first time, we're pairing our city-wide book drops with free digital access through BorrowBox – meaning any young person with a library card can read this year's titles wherever they are.
"For young people who don't have books at home, that combination of free print and free digital access could make a real difference."
Big City Reads is made possible thanks to funding from Arts Council England.
The campaign also feeds into a broader network of support designed to develop the county's next generation of literary voices.
Members of the youth selection panel are also participating in The Next Page, a writing development programme for emerging critics, with their work set to be published across Nottingham City of Literature's platforms and in LeftLion magazine.
Updates on book locations and events can be found via Nottingham City of Literature's social media channels and website.
For more information, visit nottinghamcityofliterature.com