Netflix and the British library have launched a new national partnership for the UK which aims to help more people discover the books behind some of the world’s most popular films and TV series. The collaboration marks the National year of reading in 2026; an intiative from the National Literacy Trust and the Depart for Education tackling the decline in reading for pleasure, particularly among young people.
The National Literacy Trust’s 2025 Annual Literacy Survey found that children’s enjoyment of reading had fallen to its lowest recorded level. But, it also highlighted that that books linked to favourite films and TV series can encourage reluctant readers, reaching for the titles that inspire the adaptations. The same trend was found to be true adults too, with Nielsen BookData finding that 12% of adult fiction bought by occasional readers was discovered through, or chosen because of, a film or television adaptation.
Screen adaptations reportedly offer great success in driving readers back to the original books. Following the release of Netflix’s One Day, sales of David Nicholls’ novel rose by 4,452% – from 3,216 copies in the 26 weeks before release to 143,193 in the 26 weeks after.
Anne Mensah, Vice President of Content, UK at Netflix said: “Every great adaptation starts with a great story. We are proud to bring these stories to audiences all over the world, but we also know the experience does not have to end when the credits roll.“Books and screen adaptations can introduce audiences to different worlds, ideas and voices. Through our partnership with the British Library, we hope to help more people discover the books behind the shows and films they love, while supporting the public libraries that make reading accessible to communities across the country.”
Netflix’s partnership with the British Library began with a series of talks including a discussion of their recent adaptation of John Steinbeck’s East of Eden, featuring some of the stars. The British Library will receive funding from their partner to support their literary conservation and archives.
100 public libraries in the British Library’s Living Knowledge Network across the UK will receive donations of book collections reflecting titles that have been adapted into Netflix films or series. Each participating library will receive books that hope to inspire readers discover the stories behind popular titles including Frankenstein, Pride and Prejudice, Heartstopper, One Day, The Thursday Murder Club and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Helen Schulte, Head of Culture Programmes, at the British Library said: ‘’We are delighted to be partnering with Netflix. With this partnership we’re helping to bring Netflix’s exciting literary adaptations to new audiences across the UK via our Living Knowledge Network of public libraries. We’re so grateful to Netflix for partnering with the Library and providing much needed philanthropic support for conservation, helping to preserve the treasures we care for as the UK’s national library.”
