More activities planned in Tameside for National Year of Reading

Tameside Libraries are continuing their celebrations for the National Year of Reading with a packed programme of activities designed to inspire residents of all ages to pick up a book.

A range of events and initiatives are planned, including a big book quiz and a short story writing competition, offering fun and creative ways for the community to get involved.

One of the highlights is the World Book Night big book quiz, which will take place at Ashton Library on Thursday 23 April from 6pm to 7.30pm. The literature-themed quiz is open to both teams and individuals, with prizes up for grabs. Entry is free, and people can simply turn up on the night to take part.

Young writers are also being encouraged to showcase their creativity as part of National Share-a-Story Month. A short story writing competition invites children and young people to create their own fairy tale based on the theme “Once Upon a Story”.

Entries can include anything from wizards and fairies to goblins, with three age categories and a maximum of 500 words. The deadline for submissions is Friday 1 May, and winners will be announced by the end of the month.

Successful entrants in each category will have their stories published as both an e-book and an e-audiobook, available to library members across Greater Manchester.

The 2026 National Year of Reading aims to celebrate and promote a love of reading, with this year’s theme, “Go All In”, encouraging people to explore books and topics that interest them most.

Julian Jackson, Tameside Council’s Strategic Director of Housing, Environment and Estates, said: “It’s wonderful to see our National Year of Reading celebrations continuing with even more fun activities designed to encourage creativity and reading for pleasure.

“Whether you’re testing your knowledge in the book quiz or creating your own fairy tale for the short story competition, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

“I encourage everyone across Tameside to get involved, have fun, and discover the joy that reading can bring.”

Entries are open now and can be made at: https://forms.gle/TUYzQrBRfU71pDRf6.

For any questions, please contact information.direct@tameside.gov.uk or call 0161 342 4000.