National Reading Week 2026: A Celebration of Reading
Hundreds of different groups and organizations shared information about the importance of literacy and reading, both for society and for their own activities. Daycare centers, schools, and libraries celebrated Reading Week.There was lively discussion about reading on social media, online media, television, and radio.
Reading Week’s participants range from politicians to sports clubs
Reading Week was also featured in messages from politicians. Among others, Finland’s Minister of Education, Minister of Culture, and Minister of Youth Affairs shared posts about Reading Week. Former President Tarja Halonen also mentioned that she was celebrating Reading Week.
Many members of parliament and local politicians shared posts about Reading Week on social media. In several municipalities, decision-makers also participated in Reading Week at schools, daycare centers, and libraries; for example, in Hämeenlinna, the mayor visited a daycare center to read aloud to the children.
During the theme week, reading was encouraged by, among others, children’s program hosts, editorials in several newspapers, and sports clubs. Both in traditional and social media, book recommendations as well as thoughts on the importance of reading and one’s own journey to becoming a reader were actively shared.
Reading Week events across the country
During Reading Week, schools and libraries hosted author visits, book clubs, reading marathons, and a wide variety of other activities. This year, even more parishes, family centers, and senior centers organized Reading Week events.
In many places, Reading Week was celebrated with the support of the entire city or municipality. For example, in Turku, Kerava, and Iisalmi, the entire city participated in Reading Week, encouraged by the library. Reading Week was celebrated at locations such as Turku Market Square and Iisalmi Market Hall. In Hämeenlinna, the entire month of April was dedicated to reading instead of just one week.
On UNESCO’s World Book and Copyright Day on April 23, book industry professionals, schoolchildren, and others interested in the topic gathered on the steps of the Parliament House in Helsinki to participate in a silent “Stop the Reading Drought!” protest.
Coordinated by the Finnish Bookstore Association, the demonstration aimed to raise the profile of reading and draw attention to the declining literacy levels among Finns. A petition reminding the Parliament of the importance of literacy was also submitted during the event.
Lukuviikko.fi is available year-round
The theme for Reading Week 2027 will be announced later on the Reading Week website and in the Reading Center’s newsletters. On the Reading Week website, you’ll find information on reading skills, activities, and lesson ideas that are available year-round.
The next Reading Week will be held April 19–25, 2027.