Netflix to donate over 100 books to Portsmouth libraries to get more people reading
The books will be donated to seven local libraries
Netflix is bringing the books behind some of its biggest programmes to Portsmouth libraries as part of a new partnership with the British Library to get more people reading.
Seven libraries across Portsmouth will receive new collections of around 20 books that inspired Netflix films and series, including Heartstopper, One Day, Queen’s Gambit and The Thursday Murder Club.
YouGov research from 2025 found four in ten Britons had not read or listened to a book in the previous year, and a recent survey by The National Literacy Trust found that children's enjoyment of reading is at its lowest recorded level.
The initiative forms part of a wider partnership between Netflix and the British Library, which also includes funding for literary conservation and a programme of events exploring how books make it to screen.
Helen Schulte, Head of Culture Programmes, the British Library said: ‘'We are delighted to be partnering with Netflix. With this partnership we're helping to bring Netflix's exciting literary adaptations to new audiences across the UK via our Living Knowledge Network of public libraries.
“We’re so grateful to Netflix for partnering with the Library and providing much needed philanthropic support for conservation, helping to preserve the treasures we care for as the UK’s national library.”
Anne Mensah, Vice President of Content at Netflix, said: “Every great adaptation starts with a great story. We're incredibly proud to bring these stories to audiences around the world, but we also know the experience doesn't have to end when the credits roll.
“We hope this initiative helps more people discover the books behind the shows and films they love, while supporting the brilliant public libraries that make reading accessible to everyone.”
The libraries in Portsmouth receiving donations are: