The BBC and Libraries NI have scheduled Book Week NI 2026 to run from 19 October to 25 October. This marks the 11th year of the event. The initiative involves a partnership between the public broadcaster and the regional library network to promote reading and library usage within community settings.
The BBC will produce special programming for the duration of the week. These broadcasts will include stories and book recommendations. Mark Simpson, the Community Correspondent for BBC News NI, is attached to the project. Mark Adair, the BBC Northern Ireland Head of Corporate and Community Affairs, confirmed the partnership with Libraries NI provides the framework for the event.
The project includes the distribution of physical resources to local schools. These materials consist of posters, bunting, and bookmarks. The BBC and Libraries NI are requesting participation from schools and other organisations through the coordination of special events and the sharing of book recommendations.
Additional details and downloadable resources are hosted on the official Book Week NI website. The event takes place across the entire Libraries NI network. This is the 11th annual iteration of the collaboration between the broadcaster and the library service.