National Year of Reading 2026 is upon us, and in Medway the campaign is being boosted by exciting new improvements to our libraries.
Public libraries are central to the national movement – which aims to inspire more people to reconnect with the power of reading – and our new upgrades mean there’s never been a better time to explore the wealth of knowledge and inspiration on offer.
Improvements at Luton Library, made possible by more than £4,700 in developer contributions and £15,000 from Medway Council’s budget, have seen the junior library expanded to twice its former size and moved to a new, prominent part of the library.
Further new additions include a dedicated teen reading area, a new ICT suite with increased privacy for computer users, better facilities for customers to charge and use their own devices, and new kinderboxes, play rugs, storytime cushions and craft tables for the popular Saturday morning art club, along with an amazing customised storytelling throne.
A launch event welcomed popular children’s author Sam Gayton, who read from his latest poetry collection to children from Kingfisher and Luton Primary schools.
The project was made possible thanks in part to £4,707 of funding transferred through Section 106 contributions, following the development of flats in Canterbury Street, Gillingham.
This is one of five library space improvement projects we’ve undertaken in the second half of 2025, which includes £40,000 of upgrades at Hoo and Rainham Libraries.
At Rainham the main library space has been altered to improve accessibility of the ICT area, and a meeting room has been built in the lobby, while at Hoo we’ve installed new accessible toilets and are due to install new automatic doors.
Cllr Nina Gurung, Medway Council’s Portfolio Holder for Heritage, Culture and Leisure, said: “Reading is so important for children, not just to help them develop vital literacy skills, but to inspire their imaginations and open up a whole world of knowledge, learning and analytical skills. Our libraries and community hubs are amazing and trusted facilities in the heart of our communities, that offer a host of events and activities for local residents of all ages, promoting community spirit and wellbeing alongside providing a place to study and a vast selection of materials to read and research. The new junior library area at Luton, along with the other new additions across Medway Libraries are further examples of our commitment to ensure our libraries serve our local areas and that our children, young people and adults of all ages will be able to access and enjoy the range of services on offer. We have an exciting year ahead in 2026 for Medway Libraries, as we go all in to mark and celebrate the National Year of Reading. This is a fantastic and important campaign that invites everyone to rediscover the joy of reading through adopting it as everyday part of our lives, and we encourage everyone in Medway to join us in making it a great success here.”
Find out more about Medway’s libraries.