Wednesday September 30th 2026
Tranent Library
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
People across East Lothian are being encouraged to pick up a book, magazine, newspaper or any other form of reading material as part of a Scotland-wide celebration of reading.
East Lothian Library Services is supporting Wee Read, a national initiative taking place on Wednesday, October 7, as part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
People across Scotland are being asked to make a simple pledge to read on the day.
That could mean spending five minutes with a book, discovering a new author or genre, returning to an old favourite or sharing a story with someone else.
Organisers say every type of reading counts, whether it is a book, comic, magazine, newspaper, recipe or poem.
Councillor Colin McGinn, East Lothian Council Spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, encouraged residents to get involved.
He said: “Wee Read is a great opportunity to bring people across our communities together through the simple joy of reading.
“Whether you already love to read or haven’t picked up a book in a while, there is something for everyone – and we’re looking forward to helping local people discover their next read.”
He also encouraged people to visit their local library, whether in person or online, to explore the range of free resources available.
Councillor McGinn said: “It’s also a great opportunity to visit your local library, especially if you haven’t been for a while, whether in person or online, and see just how great a service they provide with a huge range of reading materials in all sorts of formats.
“And our library colleagues are always on hand to help, of course.”
He recalled visiting Tranent Library as a youngster and said he still enjoys returning to favourite authors.
He added: “Wee Read is for everyone, whatever your age, ability or interests – you don’t have to think of yourself as a ‘reader’ to take part.”
East Lothian’s libraries are being placed at the centre of the initiative, with residents able to access books and eBooks as well as newspapers, magazines and other resources.
Alison Nolan, chief executive of the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), said the campaign was intended to encourage people to discover or rediscover reading.
She said: “There is no right or wrong way to take part and every read counts, whether that’s a few minutes with a favourite magazine, sharing a story with a child or getting lost in a great book.”
The campaign has a target of 50,000 pledges across Scotland.
Everyone in East Lothian is invited to make a pledge and take part in Wee Read on Wednesday, October 7.
Residents can also visit their local library to find their next read and share recommendations using #WeeRead26.
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