LONDON, UK — In a major bid to revitalize youth literacy, Penguin Random House (PRH) UK has launched the Penguin Children’s Bookshop Grant 2026. The initiative, announced this week during the “National Year of Reading,” will distribute £150,000 to independent booksellers across the country to fund grassroots projects that inspire a love of reading in young people.
The grant comes at a critical time for the industry, as PRH notes that rates of reading for pleasure among children and young adults have hit a 20-year low.
Funding “Kernels of Ideas”
Independent bookshops can apply for grants ranging from £1,500 to £5,000. The funding is designed to be flexible, supporting a wide array of creative community-focused projects.
Eligible projects include:
- Outreach & Events: Author visits, literary festivals, and school partnerships.
- In-Store Experiences: Creating dedicated picture-book corners or “immersive” reading installations.
- Community Support: Reading clubs, holiday programs, and book gifting initiatives for disadvantaged families.
- Creative Marketing: Enticing window displays and activations that “remove barriers” to entering a bookshop.
Applications Open: Tuesday, February 10, 2026
Applications Close: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 (11:59 PM)
Winners Notified: Thursday, April 30, 2026
Project Completion: By December 31, 2026
Note: Department stores, supermarkets, and chains with more than 15 outlets are not eligible to apply.
The “National Year of Reading” Context
The grant is a cornerstone of the UK’s broader 2026 National Year of Reading campaign. By empowering local booksellers—who often serve as cultural hubs in their towns—PRH aims to bypass corporate red tape and put resources directly into the hands of those who know their readers best.
All funded activities must be free of charge for children and their families to ensure maximum accessibility.
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