Get involved with Little Libraries and book clubs

Two exciting new ResLife initiatives have arrived at your accommodation to mark the National Year of Books 2026: Little Libraries and Bring Your Own Book Clubs.

Both schemes are all about helping you unwind, discover new stories, and enjoy the benefits of reading during your time in halls. Whether you're a regular bookworm or haven't picked up a book for fun in years, there's something here for everyone.

What is the National Year of Reading?

The National Year of Reading 2026 is a major UK-wide campaign created to help people of all ages reconnect with the joy of reading. Led by the Department for Education and delivered in partnership with the National Literacy Trust (and more than 60 literacy organisations), the campaign aims to reverse the long-term decline in reading for pleasure across the country.

The theme for the year is 'Go All In', encouraging everyone to explore how reading can connect with the things they already love; whether that's music, sport, food, fashion, gaming, or anything else. Instead of asking people to 'find time to read', the campaign brings reading into everyday culture, making it more accessible, relevant, and fun.

The is the largest reading initiative of its kind in a generation, with events, activities, tools, and local programmes designed to help millions experience reading as an enjoyable, rewarding part of daily life.

Little Libraries: Borrow, read, return

Our new Little Libraries have now been installed at all halls sites and are the perfect way to find your next great read.

They're simple to use, just pick a book, read it in your own time, and return it when you're done.

All books have been kindly donated, making the libraries a more sustainable option for both the planet and your wallet. If you've got books gathering dust, why not donate them to your site's library? Your old favourite could become someone else's next adventure.

And while you're there, don't forget to grab a free bookmark!*

Where to find your nearest Little Library

• Glen Eyre, next to the Amazon lockers
• Wessex Lane, next to the charity donation point
• Erasmus Park, next to the bike store
• In common rooms at Archers Road, City Gateway, Highfield Hall, and Mayflower

Bring Your Own Book Clubs: Make reading social

If you'd like to share your love of reading with others, ResLife's new Bring Your Own Book Clubs are the perfect place to start. Running once a month, these relaxed socials combine quiet enjoyment with friendly conversation.

Simply bring along your current read — or borrow something from your Little Library — and join other students for an hour of peaceful reading with casual chats before and after. It's a great chance to discover new genres and authors, sharing recommendations with fellow residents.

Check the Halls Life events page or the MySouthampton App for upcoming dates at your halls site.

Get involved

Whether you devour novels, get engrossed in comics, love non-fiction, or you're picking up a book outside of your studies for the first time in ages, we'd love you to get involved.

Explore a Little Library, come along to a Book Club, or try both; this is your year to enjoy reading your way.

*Available while stocks last.