UK Publisher, Penguin Random House, have announced the launch of the Penguin Children’s Bookshop Grant 2026, which aims to support independent bookshops in their role “inspiring young people to enjoy reading.” The initiative forms part of their commitment to the National Year of Reading, which aims to boost reading across all age groups but particularly young people.
In a press release from Penguin, the publisher explained: “From first picture books to the newest Young Adult series, independent bookshops play a vital role in introducing young people to books and helping to build lifelong reading habits.
“With rates of reading for pleasure among children and young people at a 20-year low, Penguin is investing £150,000 to help independent bookshops bring creative ideas to life that inspire children and young people to engage with books and discover the joy of reading.”
Independent Bookshops can apply for funding between £1,500-£5,000 to support initiatives that: “encourage children and young people to read for pleasure, help young readers to discover books that connect to their interests, increase access to books and reading experiences, engage families, schools and local communities in reading, or promote social connection and cohesion through reading.”
All activities funded through the scheme should be free of charge to children, young people and their families. These activities could include: reading clubs, workshops or holiday programmes; outreach initiatives with schools, libraries or community groups; events, author visits, or festivals aimed at children and young people; creative activations that remove barriers to reading; book gifting programmes; or events that use hobbies and interest areas as a route to introduce young people to books.
Interested bookshop owners can find out more and apply via the Penguin Random House website.
