Archive · 22 Sep 2026
Netflix Donates Adapted Novels to 100 UK Libraries
Netflix is working with the British Library to help more people discover books.
It will give books connected to its films and television shows to 100 public libraries in the United Kingdom.
The donated titles include Frankenstein, Heartstopper, One Day, The Thursday Murder Club and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The project is connected to the United Kingdom’s National Year of Reading in 2026.
Netflix and the British Library also plan events with actors and filmmakers.
One event included Florence Pugh and Zoe Kazan discussing East of Eden.
The campaign comes as fewer children and young people say they enjoy reading in their free time.
Netflix points to the large increase in sales of One Day after its screen adaptation as evidence that television can encourage people to read books.
Netflix will donate books behind several film and television adaptations to 100 public libraries across the United Kingdom.
The initiative includes Frankenstein, Heartstopper, One Day, The Thursday Murder Club and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
The partnership with the British Library is linked to the United Kingdom’s National Year of Reading 2026.
Events will feature filmmakers and actors, including a September 21 conversation with Florence Pugh and Zoe Kazan about East of Eden.
Netflix said sales of David Nicholls’ One Day rose 4,452% after the 2024 series was released, amid concerns about declining reading habits.
- Who
- Netflix and the British Library, with participation from filmmakers and actors involved in adaptations.
- What
- A programme connecting Netflix adaptations with books, reading promotion and public libraries, including donations to 100 libraries.
- When
- The partnership is linked to the National Year of Reading 2026; a related event took place on September 21, and East of Eden is scheduled to premiere on October 1.
- Where
- Across 100 public libraries in the United Kingdom, with events at the British Library.
- Why
- To encourage reading and help audiences discover the books behind Netflix films and series amid declining reported reading enjoyment among young people.
- Libraries receiving donations
- 100 public libraries across the United Kingdom
- Partner organizations
- Netflix and the British Library
- Reading initiative
- The United Kingdom’s National Year of Reading 2026
- Featured donated titles
- Frankenstein, Heartstopper, One Day, The Thursday Murder Club and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Reading enjoyment statistic
- 32.7% of 8- to 18-year-olds said they enjoyed reading in their free time in the National Literacy Trust’s 2025 survey
- One Day sales increase
- Sales reportedly rose 4,452%, from 3,216 copies before the 2024 series to 143,193 copies afterward
- East of Eden premiere
- The seven-episode series is scheduled to premiere on Netflix on October 1