Author Tom Palmer announced as Cornwall Libraries Ambassador for 2026
Cornwall, 11 December 2025 - Cornwall Libraries is thrilled to announce that bestselling children’s author Tom Palmer will serve as its ambassador throughout the National Year of Reading 2026.
Tom Palmer, who has sold over one million books, is celebrated for creating fast-paced, gripping stories that captivate even the most reluctant readers.
His work has been widely praised by teachers, librarians, and parents for inspiring a lifelong love of reading in children.
Currently, Tom is working on an exciting new Cornish trilogy set during the Second World War, titled Allies. The first book in the series, If the Invader Comes, draws on real events, landscapes, and the courage of Cornish communities, bringing this pivotal era vividly to life.
As Cornwall Libraries’ ambassador, Tom will collaborate closely with libraries across the county to promote reading, celebrate storytelling, and engage young people (and adults) through events, workshops, school visits, and library initiatives.
The National Year of Reading, launched by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust in January 2026, aims to reverse the decline in reading among young people.
In 2025, only one in three children aged 8 to 18 reported enjoying reading in their free time, highlighting the need for initiatives like this.
Tom Palmer said:
"It is my absolute honour to be the National Year of Reading ambassador for Cornwall Libraries. Cornwall is my favourite place on earth and where my family and I will be living permanently from January onwards. I also love libraries. Libraries changed my life and gave me access to the books that gave me access to the world. So this is a perfect role for me. I will do everything I can to champion Cornwall’s libraries and all the good work they do."
Councillor Sarah Preece, Cabinet Member for Libraries and Culture at Cornwall Council, added:
"This partnership is a fantastic boost for Cornwall’s National Year of Reading. With Tom’s involvement, we’ll reach young people and encourage them to connect with stories that reflect their own interests and passions. It’s wonderful to see Cornwall’s Libraries highlighting that reading can be sparked by what people love the most."