Children and parents across Gwynedd and Ynys Môn are being invited to pick up a book and enjoy free Summer Reading Sessions taking place every Wednesday throughout the school holidays as part of the National Year of Reading.

In a world of constant notifications, screens and busy schedules, finding uninterrupted time to read can be difficult. The sessions aim to create a welcoming space where families can switch off and enjoy books together – a couple of hours where the activity is simply reading.

CAL:ON Cymru Summer Reading Sessions will take place in cafés, community hubs, bookshops and gardens across the region, highlighting the fact that reading can happen anywhere – not just in schools and libraries.

The UK-wide National Year of Reading campaign comes at a time when reading for pleasure is declining. According to the National Literacy Trust, only around a third of children say they read for enjoyment, while just half of adults describe themselves as regular readers, although the 2026 figures suggest a slight increase for the first time in years.

Reading for pleasure can improve concentration, empathy, wellbeing and understanding of the world, as well as supporting literacy skills.

CAL:ON Cymru, a literacy research centre based at Bangor University, works to improve reading outcomes across Wales. Professor Manon Jones, the centre lead, said:

“Whilst CAL:ON Cymru is working with schools to develop reading skill in the classroom, we also know that reading can be such a pleasure in life. We hope these sessions encourage people to make time for reading over the summer – something that many of us struggle to do, even with the best intentions!” 

All morning sessions are free to attend. Two additional afternoon sessions will be held at Plas Cadnant Hidden Gardens and Plas Newydd, where normal admission charges apply. Welsh- and English-language books will be available, although visitors are welcome to bring their own favourites.

There is no need to register and families can stay for as little or as long as they like. The organisers hope the sessions will help children and adults alike rediscover the pleasure of reading and perhaps inspire a lifelong habit.

For full details, visit our website: https://www.bangor.ac.uk/events/summer-reading-sessions

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Dates, venues, and times: 

22ND JULY 

Palas Print, Caernarfon 10am-12pm

29TH JULY 

Llofft, Y Felinheli 10am-12pm

5TH AUGUST 

TBC 10am-12pm

12TH AUGUST 

Neuadd Dwyfor, Pwllheli 10am-12pm

19TH AUGUST 

TBC 10am-12pm

Plas Cadnant Gardens, Menai Bridge 1pm-3pm

26TH AUGUST 

TBC 10am-12pm

      Plas Newydd, Llanfairpwll 1pm-3pm

Photo: CAL:ON Cymru