The Queen visited the British Library this week to celebrate Volunteers Week alongside 150 community volunteers, two young poets, and one very famous bear.
The event was organized by the National Literacy Trust and The Big Lunch, an initiative run by Eden Project Cornwall. The Queen serves as Patron of both.
The sit-down community lunch took place in the Library’s Piazza. Volunteers from youth groups, community organizations, and corporate programs shared stories and laughter over food.
These 150 people represent a much bigger movement. They’re the ones who show up to help others discover a love of reading and build stronger communities. Getting them into the British Library for a proper celebration felt like exactly the right way to mark Volunteers Week.
National Year of Reading ambassadors Jack Benedwards and Spud Man were also part of the afternoon’s lineup. Both talked about going all in on their passions, with reading and food at the heart of it. Their message fit the day perfectly: a love of reading is worth championing out loud.
The poetry segment was a genuine standout. UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage performed original poems alongside Maya and Latifah, the newly crowned Young Poet Laureates for London. All three took on the same theme – how stories connect people and build community. Hearing established and emerging voices share that stage was one of the afternoon’s best moments.
Attendees also got to explore the British Library’s Fairy Tales family exhibition. The National Literacy Trust described it as “a journey through the magical world of stories to connect us to the things we care about.” For families in the room, that’s an afternoon well spent.
The biggest news came toward the end. Paddington was officially named the newest National Year of Reading 2026 ambassador. The National Literacy Trust announced it on Instagram, calling it “the cherry on top of the (marmalade sandwich-inspired) cake.” He was chosen for the values he embodies – friendship, helping others, and bringing communities together through stories and food.
It’s hard to think of a better fit. Michael Bond introduced Paddington in 1958, and the character has been a fixture of British cultural life ever since. Paddington is known for moving through the world with curiosity, kindness, and good intentions. The National Year of Reading is built on those exact values.
The event also marks the start of The Big Lunch and The Big Help Out weekend. It runs June 5 through June 8 and gives communities across the UK a reason to gather, share meals, and volunteer together. To sign up as a National Year of Reading volunteer, visit goallin.org.uk. Big Lunch weekend resources are at thebigdo.com.
Stories, food, community – and a marmalade-loving bear with a suitcase. There’s a lot to feel good about in this one.
