National Year of Reading Launch Day

2025 is the National Year of Reading, and Sheffield is joining in with a year packed full of exciting events and activities to celebrate the joy of books, stories, and creativity.

Sheffield Libraries are kicking things off with a launch on Saturday 31 January. They have a packed programme of events for both adults and children.

Highlights of the day:

• Drawing workshop with Matty Long. The award-winning illustrator will demonstrate how to draw characters from the Super Happy Magic Forest book series. Central Children's Library, 10.30am-midday
• Drop-in printing workshop with Lick of Paint. Central Library, 11am-1pm
• Illustrator Lisa Maltby in conversation. Discover Sheffield Libraries' brand new adult library card design, followed by a Q&A on life as an illustrator. Carpenter Room, 12.30-1.30pm
• Poetry with Otis Mensah and Danaé Wellington. The former Sheffield Poet Laureates will read from their work. Carpenter Room, 2pm-3pm
• Storytelling performance with Hatchlings. Central Children's Library, 2pm-2.45pm
• Floor mural with Lick of Paint. Drop in and help create a giant floor mural! Central Library, 11am-3pm