Book Week 2026 will run from 19 to 25 October, uniting the public library network across Northern Ireland with a dedicated slate of BBC programming and community events. The initiative was formally launched on 1 October at Belfast Central Library, attended by senior civic and political figures including Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly and Education Minister Paul Givan.
The annual celebration focuses on the intersection of broadcast media and physical library services, featuring short films in which well-known BBC presenters share their personal reading lists. On the radio front, BBC Radio Ulster/Foyle will broadcast a curated collection of book-related music from stage and screen at 7pm on 18 October, the evening before the main event begins. This special transmission includes a reprise of A Box of Delights, the Ulster Orchestra concert originally recorded for the 2022 edition, alongside scores from Mary Poppins, Harry Potter, Matilda and Paddington Bear. Schools and colleges across the region are also integrated into the schedule, with free downloadable resources such as bookmarks and posters available via the official website to support classroom activities.
The partnership is spearheaded by BBC Northern Ireland and Libraries NI, with Mark Adair, Head of Corporate and Community Affairs at the broadcaster, and Dr Jim O'Hagan, Chief Executive of Libraries NI, overseeing the joint venture. The 2026 edition marks the most ambitious programme of live events in the initiative's history, headlined by an "In Conversation" series featuring prominent local authors such as John Banville, Wendy Erskine and Colin Patterson. These sessions will take place in library spaces throughout the region, culminating in Love Your Library Day on 21 October, where the focus shifts to encouraging new sign-ups and renewals for local library membership.