Netflix & British Library Unite for Reading Revival

Netflix is collaborating with the British Library to encourage more people to discover books behind popular films and series. This national partnership, which includes local libraries, coincides with 2026 being the National Year of Reading, an initiative to address the significant drop in reading for pleasure across the U.K.

The collaboration provides dedicated funding from Netflix for the British Library's conservation and archive efforts. Furthermore, collections of books adapted into Netflix content will be gifted to 100 public libraries throughout the U.K. These collections will feature titles such as 'Frankenstein,' 'Pride and Prejudice,' and 'Heartstopper.'

To complement the donated books, Netflix and the British Library will organize a series of events, also streamed to libraries nationwide. These events will delve into the process of adapting books for the screen, with past sessions including discussions with stars from 'The Thursday Murder Club' and 'East of Eden.'

This initiative aims to rekindle a love for reading, as recent surveys indicate a concerning decline in children's reading enjoyment. The partnership highlights how books linked to screen adaptations can engage reluctant readers, a trend also observed in adult purchasing habits, where a notable percentage of fiction is influenced by film or television tie-ins.