(AGENPARL) – Mon 12 January 2026 …and more free opportunities for secondary schools this term
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For research, inspiration and enjoyment
Get ready for the National Year of Reading
The National Year of Reading ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Q7IGGARjpn7sFIM-9ix8ot87nDsJoSwruPCzukf-chLeycZY97tDxl951o4bbmm-QIdKW ) is underway and we’ve lined up onsite and online opportunities to help you supercharge reading in your classroom. Our free programme offers a range of ways into reading for pleasure with high-profile authors, rich collections and insightful scholarship to frame familiar texts in fresh and relevant ways.
Read on to see what’s coming up this term for secondary learners and teachers or browse the full offer on our website.
All secondary workshops > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Q7IGGARjpn7sFINC9ix8ot87nDnFSO2Rgs2eZCFNbyJinWlw096asti33L6mAR8Y-w59B )
Teacher CPD: The Tempest in context
Tuesday 3 February, 16.00 – 17.20
Free livestreamed teachers’ CPD
Teachers of Years 10 – 13
English Literature
Get ready for Shakespeare’s birthday this spring with our free online resources ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Q7IGGARjpn7sFING9ix8ot87nDoqKyfYpJR11kCA5pdEzVjZmNJqSSkCfImsec0ZXkhD- ). And explore The Tempest in context in a free livestreamed CPD for teachers. Join Professor Emma Smith and teacher and author Michael Donkor for fresh ideas, tips and resources exploring the thorny role of magic in the play, from theatrical spectacle and romance to colonial power and exploitation of the natural world.
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Q7IGGARjpn7sFINK9ix8ot87nDgJaYk0Ji8_cQ2r22zw8bgdKXdEh5a_Brocm6H_yirMI )
Exploring Black British Literature – Live! With Malorie Blackman
Friday 22 May
Free in-person and online event  
Years 10 – 13
English Literature
The renowned author joins us to bring our popular workshop live onstage for the first time!
In this exciting, interactive event, students will step up to champion the work of the Black British author who they believe has had the most profound cultural impact.
Book your place > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Q7IGGARjpn7sFINO9ix8ot87nDtb9WhwSVTtG-0KPtb4UBH_AyjTzWXv9puLnAJLXppMC )
Exploring Black British Literature
in-person workshop
Term-time
Free in-person workshops and online resource
Years 10 – 13
English Literature
Help students to appreciate the breadth, depth and diversity of Black British literature with this workshop at the Library. Using digitised manuscripts and recordings from our collections, students will develop their own critical analysis of seminal texts.
Plus, check out our free teaching resources ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Q7IGGARjpn7sFINS9ix8ot87nDjw1undir9WSgbHDE03TAau3vUQ_KT4djcBUI4ZkVnaz ) to explore the rich history of Black writing in Britain from your classroom.
Book now > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Q7IGGARjpn7sFINW9ix8ot87nDgCGQwLsQZ5dXEUCACK6ArYmfZoTV2df2TnvX_bg0iWL )
Submit your students’ art and poetry
Free creative competition
Closing date: Wednesday 15 April
The Sanctuary Foundation’s No Place Like Home competition returns for a third year, in celebration of Refugee Week.
This annual art and poetry competition encourages children and young people to empathise with others their age who have had to leave their homes due to conflict or natural disaster, or to express their own lived experience of this. The winning work will be displayed here at the Library and online.
Find out more > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Q7IGGARjpn7sFINa9ix8ot87nDhx026HhFfs4z5r_4n0CS70_K4NGYRCw3AY3A1PjClMn )
Standby: Agatha Christie coming in 2026!
Exhibition at the Library
30 October 2026 – 20 June 2027
Schools programme to be announced
We will be celebrating the bestselling novelist of all time, Agatha Christie, in our landmark exhibition next academic year. Our dedicated schools programme, with an emphasis on reading for pleasure, will be announced this school year. In the meantime you can find out more about the exhibition on our website.
The Agatha Christie Learning programme is made possible by a grant from the Colwinston Charitable Trust 30th Anniversary Fund.
This exhibition has been developed with support from Agatha Christie Limited and The Christie Archive Trust.
Find out more > ( https://britishlibraryemails.bl.uk/c/AQiz6A8Q7IGGARjpn7sFINe9ix8ot87nDossySSIY5Hmx77KyuOsE-NncrDbWPLn3OBRheBZj9XE )
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Image credits: Malorie Blackman © Pål Hansen; Agatha Christie © The Christie Archive Trust