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Guest blog: Go All In for reading: How Next Page Books inspires every kind of reader

Published February 2026

In this guest blog, we hear from a brilliant independent bookshop based in Hitchin - Next Page Books.  They pride themselves on being an inclusive and welcoming space for all readers and invite you to join them to celebrate the 2026 National Year of Reading.

Next Page Books is an inclusive and independent children’s bookshop in Hitchin. We have a carefully curated range of diverse titles for everyone from babies, to teens/young adults and all the readers in between. We have a grown-up section for adults, and an individual needs section for families and professionals to learn more about a wide range of needs.

The power of choice

We embrace all the ways you can read: comics, recipe books, bus maps, non-fiction, books that are too ‘young’ for us, books that are not ‘challenging enough’ for us – these are all valid forms of reading that we should enable our children to experience.  At Next Page Books, we start with each child/young person. What do they like, what have they enjoyed reading already? If they don’t enjoy reading, why not? What do we have that could help? (Dyslexia-friendly books, reading rulers, comics, picture books, rhyming and poetry books, sound books and much more). Reading levels and expectations don’t matter here. 

Enjoy books in any way that suits you!

As families and professionals, we need to learn to listen to what our young readers are telling us. If an emerging reader wants to read every title in a series over and over again, it can be frustrating. But they are developing confidence in all books by practising new skills many times. If an early teen wants a book you think is too ‘old’ for them, ask yourself why. Books can be a safe way to learn about new experiences, and if you read it too, a great way to open up a conversation about all sorts of challenging topics. If an adult wants to read but worries about the challenge and length of a Booker Prize winning title, why not choose a kids book? Much more fun, and still as valuable!

Shop in person, online, or download an audio book

At Next Page Books in 2026, we are opening up the ways you can read and still support our indie shop to be there for years to come, as a safe and welcoming space for all readers.

As always though, we love to welcome you here into our bookshop, have a calm and positive chat, and find the right books for you and your family. We look forward to meeting you soon!

Thanks to Liz and Julie for sharing this blog. Hopefully it has inspired you to make a visit to their lovely bookshop in Hitchin.

julie and liz behind the counter at Next Page books

Next Page Books
120 Queen Street, Hitchin SG4 9TH
www.nextpagebooks.co.uk
Email: nextpagebooks@outlook.com
07907471505