GO
Sorry, but you already have a basket with that name. Please use something else.
Are you sure you wish to delete this basket?()
This action cannot be undone.
Sorry, something went wrong
Please report the problem here.
Reflecting on Love Literacy 2025: Reading for Generations
January 12th 2026
Last held in 2019, our flagship conference Love Literacy supports the professional development of teachers, librarians, and others who care about improving reading across the UK. In conjunction with our 90th anniversary year in 2025, we relaunched this conference and packed it with insightful keynote speakers, workshops and partners to best inspire our work with the next generation.
Find out more about the keynote speakers, workshop leaders, and exhibitors below, as well as our exciting plans for Love Literacy.
- Keynote speakers
- Workshops and panels
- Networking and literacy exhibition
- Thank you to Love Literacy sponsors
- Read delegate feedback
- What's next for Love Literacy?
Inspiring teachers and librarians: this year's keynote speakers
Jonathan Douglas | Matt Goodfellow | Rashmi Sirdeshpande | Tọlá Okogwu
Love Literacy compere and Peters Co-CEO Claire Bowles opened the day with a heartfelt tribute to former Managing Director Ray Dyer. You can watch the short film which charts the design and installation of Ray's Library on the Peters YouTube.
Rallying attendees, the CEO of National Literacy Trust Jonathan Douglas explored the worrying data in the 2025 report on Children and Young People's Reading. He then shared the nationwide strategy to combat the decline in reading enjoyment with the National Year of Reading 2026 and its key message: 'Go All In'. Learn more about this year's support for schools and libraries on our dedicated National Year of Reading webpage.
 |
 |
 |
| Reinforcing the 'Go All In' message, Matt Goodfellow, Rashmi Sirdeshpande and Tọlá Okogwu emphasised the need for adults to meet where children and young people are and be open to offering more diverse formats and stories to reach every reader. |
"All speakers were passionate, honest, authentic and relatable. They spoke as readers, educators, and parents and advocated for a better society." |
Practical advice and insightful discussions: workshops and panels
Representation and inclusivity | Recommended children's fiction and non-fiction | Building reading communities
Throughout the conference, delegates attended practical workshops and discussion panels led by literacy experts and organisations, helping boost their long-term work with children and young people. Attendees went away with an abundance of inspiration!
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Oracy in primary schools: how effective oracy practice brings about motivated readers and writers |
Curious minds: how non-fiction books are vital to teen development in the Internet Age |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Representation for generations: diversity and inclusion in children's and young people's reading |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Peters picks: librarians' recommendations 2025-2026 |
Different text types for different readers Workshop led by Ruth Baker-Leask, Director of Minerva Learning |
"I am going back to my school and department, armed with resources and strategies, as well as a reminder of the joy, curiosity and love at the heart of our work." |
 |
 |
 |
|
Building reading communities |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Reading inclusive books: nurturing the next generation of open-minded and inspired young readers |
Accessible reading through children's poetry |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Power-up! Graphic novels' impact on children's and young people's reading |
Networking with peers, publishers and literacy organisations
There was plenty of opportunity for delegates to chat and connect with our fantastic exhibitors, ranging from reading spine suppliers to literacy charities to children's book publishers. View the complete list of Love Literacy 2025 exhibitors and learn more about how they can support your school or library.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Plus, our team hosted an onsite Peters bookshop for attendees to browse and buy from, and an Ask the Librarian stand to answer any reading-related or stock questions our attendees had.
We also ran an author signing table, with our brilliant keynote speakers!
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
"It was the most enjoyable and informative day I've had in a long time." |
Thank you to Love Literacy 2025 official sponsorsWe want to give our upmost thanks to the organisations who sponsored this year's conference. Find out more about our conference sponsors and get in touch for the best support and books for boosting literacy in your school or library. |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Read feedback from Love Literacy 2025 delegates
We thoroughly enjoyed meeting our attendees at Love Literacy 2025, and ending our 90th anniversary with an energising, inspiring day focused on children's reading. Hear more from the teachers and librarians who attended this year's conference.
"I was engrossed for the whole day, not once did I 'drift off'. Every speaker gave information I could use in my library and school in a way I understood and enjoyed."
"They were all engaging, informative, and interesting. They were all, without question, enthused by being there and talking about their love of the subject. Uplifting."
"All speakers were passionate, honest, authentic and relatable. They spoke as readers, educators, and parents and advocated for a better society."
"Brilliant venue, programme, staff and generally everything!"
"I am going back to my school and department, armed with resources and strategies, as well as a reminder of the joy, curiosity and love at the heart of our work."
"I went away yesterday feeling respected and valued. ALL of your staff were extremely helpful and friendly."
"It was the most enjoyable and informative day I've had in a long time."
What's next for Love Literacy?
After the success of Love Literacy 2025, Peters will continue to host inspiring events in coordination with our literacy partners under the umbrella of Love Literacy. Love Literacy hosts informative and inspiring events, training and conferences for teachers, school librarians, senior leaders and public library staff, to support and champion their work improving children's and young people's literacy and reading enjoyment.
- hello@peters.co.uk
- 0121 666 6646
- Send a message
- Meet the team
- Peters Ltd
- 120 Bromsgrove Street
- Birmingham
- B5 6RJ
![Google maps logo]( "Google maps logo")
