At All Top Books, we believe in the power of reading to transform lives. Whether it’s escaping into a novel after a long day, sharing a bedtime story, or discovering new perspectives through memoirs, books have the potential to change how we think, feel and connect with the world around us.
Yet, reading is facing a quiet crisis. Fewer people are reading for pleasure than ever before. In response, a new initiative — the Queen’s Reading Room Medal — has been launched to recognise and celebrate individuals who are making a difference in their communities through books.
Key Takeaways
- The Queen’s Reading Room Medal was launched to honour individuals making a meaningful impact on reading and literacy in their local communities.
- The initiative was unveiled by Queen Camilla on 25 March 2025 at Clarence House, with support from renowned authors and public figures.
- The medal celebrates grassroots efforts such as running reading groups, donating books, supporting libraries, and volunteering for literacy causes.
- Nominations open on 1 April 2025 and remain open throughout the year; anyone aged 18 or over can nominate themselves or others.
- A distinguished judging panel from the literary and literacy sectors will select awardees whose work promotes access, inclusion and the joy of reading.
Just 1 in 5 young people in the UK read for pleasure every day.
The Queen’s Reading Room Medal is celebrating those making a difference — one book at a time.
A Royal Endorsement with a Local Focus
On 25 March 2025, Her Majesty Queen Camilla hosted a reception at Clarence House to unveil the Queen’s Reading Room Medal. The event was attended by a host of distinguished authors, including Anthony Horowitz, Ann Cleeves, Peter James and Kate Atkinson, as well as actors and public figures such as Sigourney Weaver and Joanna Lumley.
However, the focus of the new medal is not on celebrity, but on local heroes — individuals who are working quietly and passionately to bring books into people’s lives and tackle the UK’s declining engagement with reading.
What the Medal Recognises
The Queen’s Reading Room Medal is designed to celebrate those who are championing reading within their own communities. Nominees may be recognised for:
- Establishing or facilitating reading groups
- Supporting access to local libraries
- Donating books to shelters, schools or community centres
- Organising local literary events or book drives
- Volunteering to promote literacy in practical, impactful ways
Nominations are open from 1 April 2025 and will remain open throughout the year. Anyone aged 18 or over can nominate themselves or someone else. Shortlisting will take place in January 2026, with the first medals awarded later that year.
Judging Panel
The award is supported by a highly respected panel of judges from the world of publishing, libraries and literacy advocacy:
- Jonathan Douglas, CEO, National Literacy Trust
- Alison Tweed, CEO, Book Aid International
- Dan Conway, CEO, The Publishers Association
- Sarah Mears, Programmes Director, Libraries Connected
- Nels Abbey, Founder, The Black Writers’ Guild
- Dame Gail Rebuck, Chair, Penguin Random House
- Ann Cleeves, Author and founder of Reading for Wellbeing
Together, they will identify individuals whose efforts are making a tangible impact on literacy and community engagement across the UK.
A Literacy Landscape in Need of Change
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Recent research has painted a concerning picture of national reading habits. According to the National Literacy Trust, just 20.5% of children and young people aged 8 to 18 said they read daily in 2024 — the lowest rate recorded since their surveys began in 2005.
While exact adult figures are less readily available, the trend is similar. A 2024 report from The Reading Agency found that a third of adults cited lack of time as their main barrier to reading. Other challenges include digital distractions and limited access to books, particularly in lower-income communities.
UK Reading Snapshot
Reading Habit | Estimated UK Adult Engagement |
Read for pleasure daily | Around 25% |
Read at least once a week | Around 45% |
Report reading less than once a month | Over 30% |
Sources: National Literacy Trust, The Reading Agency, 2024
These figures highlight the importance of community-led efforts to promote reading. The Queen’s Reading Room Medal shines a light on those who are stepping up to make reading accessible, enjoyable and inclusive for all.
Why All Top Books Is Supporting this Initiative
As a long-established independent bookseller, we’ve always believed that books belong to everyone. We’ve seen the ripple effect that a single donated novel can have. We’ve witnessed how a reading group can create new friendships and revive interest in literature. And we know that literacy isn’t just about words — it’s about connection, wellbeing and opportunity.
We support the Queen’s Reading Room Medal because it honours the people doing this essential work at the ground level.
How You Can Get Involved
If you know someone who is using reading to uplift their community — nominate them. If you’re involved in a local initiative yourself, consider putting your name forward.
Even if a formal award isn’t your goal, there are plenty of ways to support the reading community:
- Volunteer your time with a reading charity or library
- Start a book group at work, school, or your community centre
- Donate books to organisations in need
- Encourage children and young adults to explore stories
- Share books, talk about them, and keep the conversation going
Every action counts — and it might just inspire others to do the same.
A Celebration of Reading, and of Readers
Vicki Perrin, Chief Executive of the Queen’s Reading Room, captured the heart of the initiative:
“We are constantly inspired by the work of individuals and organisations who work to get books into the hands of people who will benefit from the transformative effects of reading… By spotlighting the work of these individuals, we seek to champion their impact and in turn, emphasise the value of social connection through community and literature.”
At All Top Books, we’re proud to help share that message. We encourage all our readers to support the cause — by nominating, volunteering, or simply spreading the word.
Because books don’t just tell stories — they build communities.
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All Top Books
Your independent bookseller, championing stories that connect us all.
Further Reading
- Children and Young People’s Reading in 2024: An in-depth report by the National Literacy Trust revealing a significant decline in reading enjoyment among young people, with only 34.6% expressing that they enjoy reading in their free time.
- State of the Nation’s Adult Reading: 2024 Report: The Reading Agency's comprehensive study highlighting that half of UK adults do not read regularly, exploring barriers such as time constraints and lack of access to books.
