Newsquest regional editor Richard Porritt introduces Born & Read in Suffolk – a year‑long campaign celebrating the joy of reading, and the opportunities it unlocks for people of all ages across the county.
Reading is a superpower. Children who read for pleasure develop stronger literacy skills, greater empathy, improved wellbeing, higher confidence and a deeper aptitude for learning, according to research from the National Literacy Trust.
Reading is also the single strongest factor in shaping a child’s future life chances – more influential even than socioeconomic background or parents’ levels of education. And it’s not just children who benefit.
Regular adult readers are significantly more likely to feel happy, relaxed and connected to their community, the Reading Agency has found.
In short, books build better lives.
But modern distractions are like Kryptonite. Here in the East of England, just one in three children and young people aged eight to 18 now enjoy reading in their free time.
We want to change that. Which is why we are launching Born & Read in Suffolk – a campaign delivered in partnership with the National Centre for Writing and Suffolk Community Libraries, sponsored by Sizewell C and supported by Ipswich Town Football Club.
The campaign is designed to ignite a renewed passion for reading and writing across Suffolk by bringing together editorial features, community events, competitions and school initiatives, all aimed at making reading more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.
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Alongside championing Suffolk’s rich literary heritage, the campaign will encourage families, schools and communities to rediscover the simple power of stories – from novels and poetry to match reports, memoirs and everyday writing.
Born & Read in Suffolk also recognises the wider role reading plays in building confidence, communication and opportunity.
Strong literacy skills underpin employability in every sector, helping people express ideas clearly, adapt to change and continue learning throughout their lives.
By promoting a culture of reading and writing, the campaign aims to support skills that matter well beyond the classroom.
Our creative competition, which will be launched later in the year, will give participants the chance to see their words in print. Selected entries will be published in a special bookazine, The Suffolk Story With 100 Endings – a collective celebration of local voices and imagination.
Schools and families will also be able to take part in our in‑paper Books for Schools token collect, giving pupils the chance to help their school win a share of £10,000-worth of new books.
We will showcase World Book Day class photos in a special keepsake supplement – a treasured memento for families and a fantastic way to celebrate each school’s unique reading culture.
The Born & Read in Suffolk campaign will ignite a celebration of literacy with a programme of events designed to inspire families, children and schools alike.
Throughout the year, we’ll be hosting an exciting calendar of reading‑themed activities – from live author readings and interactive storytelling sessions to family‑friendly events that bring the magic of books to life.
Born & Read in Suffolk is an invitation to pause, pick up a book and take part in something bigger.
Follow the campaign throughout the year in our coverage and on social media using #BornAndRead2026 – and join us as Suffolk turns the page on a new chapter of reading.
If you would like to hear more about the events, the Books for Schools token collect, or our World Book Day supplement – and how your school can get involved – please contact us at readingmatters@newsquest.co.uk
Powering the future
We are delighted to announce that Sizewell C, the new nuclear power station being built in Suffolk, is headline sponsor for Born & Read in Suffolk.
Marjorie Barnes, head of regional external affairs and development, said: “In parts of East Suffolk, literacy levels sit below national expectations, limiting confidence, aspiration and access to local jobs. Born & Read closely aligns with our commitment to support literacy and more broadly raising aspiration in ways that are inclusive, practical and community-led.”
Literacy is a key access skill across Sizewell C – from apprenticeships and construction to engineering, administration and leadership.
“By supporting literacy, we are helping ensure that more local people can access the jobs and training opportunities being created in the region, now and in the future,” said Marjorie.
“We’re proud to support Born & Read to encourage people of all ages across Suffolk to get involved and rediscover the joy of reading."
Get a free library card today!
We are proud to deliver the Born & Read in Suffolk campaign in partnership with Suffolk Community Libraries, which runs all 45 library branches and three mobile libraries across the county.
Head of service Krystal Vittles said: “The Born & Read campaign’s focus on showcasing the joy and power of storytelling mirrors Suffolk Community Libraries’ commitment to getting people of all ages reading and building life-long reading habits and supporting community engagement across the county.”
“We hope this campaign inspires you to discover reading in all its forms and find joy in the stories that shape your world.
“It’s free and easy for adults and children to sign up for a library card and get access to thousands of books from your local library,” Krystal added. “If you’ve not got one already – why not do it today!”
Kick off a love of reading
The Born & Read in Suffolk campaign also has the support of Ipswich Town Foundation, the charitable arm of Ipswich Town Football Club.
Its work spans four key pillars: community participation and inclusion; health and wellbeing; sport and physical activity; and education and employability.
Literacy sits at the heart of much of this, most notably through its Premier League Primary Stars programme, which provides targeted English interventions – as well as mathematics, PSHE and PE – to support children in primary education with their reading, writing, speaking and listening.
“Our supporters are at the heart of everything we do,” said Ipswich Town Football Club’s head of marketing Andrew Slater. “Literacy is an important life skill, and we are proud to be working alongside the Ipswich Town Foundation and Newsquest to help support it.
“Reading is a superpower and a good time,” Andrew added, “Dive in and enjoy!"
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