Netflix has joined hands with the British Library in a national initiative aimed at helping audiences discover the books that inspired some of the streaming platform’s popular films and series.
The partnership, which will also involve public libraries across the UK, comes as the country observes 2026 as the National Year of Reading. The campaign seeks to encourage reading and respond to concerns over declining interest in reading for pleasure.
Under the agreement, Netflix will provide financial support for the British Library’s literary conservation and archive work. The streaming giant will also donate collections of books adapted into its films and series to 100 public libraries across the UK.
The collections will feature titles including ‘Frankenstein’, ‘Pride and Prejudice’, ‘Heartstopper’, ‘One Day’, ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’.
The two organisations will also hold events examining how books are transformed for the screen. Libraries across the country will be able to stream the sessions.
The programme has already hosted discussions involving the casts and creators of ‘Frankenstein’, ‘The Thursday Murder Club’ and ‘The Seven Dials Mystery’. On Monday, Florence Pugh, Zoe Kazan, Christopher Abbott and Mike Faist joined a discussion on the making of ‘East of Eden’.
“Every great adaptation starts with a great story,” said Anne Mensah, Netflix’s vice-president of content, UK. She said the partnership would encourage people to explore the books behind their favourite films and shows while supporting public libraries.
The initiative comes amid concerns about falling reading engagement in Britain. The National Literacy Trust’s 2025 Annual Literacy Survey found that children’s enjoyment of reading had reached its lowest recorded level. However, the survey also found that books linked to popular films and television series can help encourage reluctant readers.
British Library Head of Culture Programmes Helen Schulte welcomed the partnership, saying it would introduce literary adaptations to new audiences through the library network.
She also thanked Netflix for supporting conservation work aimed at preserving collections held by the UK’s national library.
