Introducing BookTok Late at the British Library

An after-hours celebration of reading, storytelling and youth culture inside one of the world's most iconic libraries.On Thursday, 2 July (6PM–10PM BST), TikTok and the British Library will host BookTok Late at the British Library, a major after-hours cultural takeover, transforming the British Library (@BritishLibrary) into a live, immersive celebration of stories, fandom and community for a new generation of readers and creators.Bringing the World's Biggest Book Club to LifeThis landmark event forms part of TikTok's official partnership with the National Year of Reading 2026, inviting young people to join the World's Biggest Book Club; a nationwide programme of BookTok-inspired events, creator moments and in-app experiences.BookTok has completely reshaped how a new generation discovers and connects with books, with nearly 78% of young BookTokers reporting that their interest in reading has increased over the past few years. In fact, they are twice as likely as the general population to attend a book-related event, and nearly three times more likely to join a book club.BookTok Late at the British Library will celebrate the richness and diversity of reading culture today, while also engaging new and lapsed readers by connecting books and reading to the things they already love - whether that’s sport, fantasy or fashion.By bringing together TikTok's passionate reading community with the British Library's vibrant youth community, which expand across the UK and digital spaces, this partnership aims to bring the Library's world-class collections to new audiences like never before.A Night of Discovery and CreativityHosted by the internet’s resident librarian and National Year of Reading Ambassador Jack Edwards (@jack_edwards), the evening brings together passionate readers, creators and the publishing industry, to celebrate the power of storytelling. Guests will receive their own Reader Pass to help them navigate this iconic space and will be encouraged to explore and discover the library collections.The whole event will also be shared simultaneously across @BritishLibrary and @TikTok_UK accounts, so the TikTok community globally are able to access this unique celebration.Jon Fawcett, Head of Events at the British Library, said: “We’re excited to welcome TikTok to the British Library for the first time as part of the National Year of Reading. We want to invite readers from across the UK and beyond to enjoy a very special cultural experience live from The British Library, with opportunities to explore our collection in new ways as part of a global community of readers.”What to expect from BookTok Late at The British Library📣 A programme of inspiring panels hosted by Jack Edwards (@jack_edwards), featuring voices shaping digital reading culture, alongside an intimate spoken word performance by breakthrough artist Dan Whitlam (@danwhitlam1) and live DJ set for guests and library visitors to enjoy.🙌 Conversations with the Youth Collective, and the National Year of Reading spotlighting their incredible work and commitment to reading in 2026 and beyond.🗝️ A rare behind the scenes look at the @BritishLibrary's historic collection of over 170 million literary treasures, accessible for the first time as the British Library "Comes Alive" on TikTok LIVE.📚 Communal reading rooms featuring BookTok "chapter discovery" experiences allowing guests to uncover new genres and authors. Creative illustration workshops and dedicated content creation spaces.🛍️ TikTok Shop LIVE installation from inside the Library with HarperCollins (@harpercollinsuk) allowing the TikTok community to purchase a BookTok bestseller or an exclusive special edition.📱 Follow @BritishLibrary for even more updates and search and share using the hashtags #BookTok and #NationalYearofReading2026 to join the conversation on TikTok.🎟️ Secure your ticket to BookTok Late at the British Library by registering your interest here.Part literary festival, part creator takeover, and part community gathering, BookTok Late at the British Library explores how reading culture is evolving through community recommendations, short-form storytelling, and shared digital conversation.Dominic Burns, Head of Operations TikTok UK, said: "It is a privilege to partner with the British Library during what is proving to be a defining year for UK literature. BookTok has transformed how a new generation discovers and falls in love with books; with BookTok Late at the British Library, we are hoping to create a unique space where the passion of our community meets centuries of literary history."The May BookTok Bestsellers UKFinally, TikTok is thrilled to announce the May BookTok Bestsellers in the UK. By combining real world retail data with TikTok engagement, we are providing a definitive look at the titles truly resonating with readers today with our monthly BookTok Bestsellers List UK, in partnership with Media Control and NielsoIQ Book Data.In bookstores, BookTok Bestsellers can now also be marked with an official sticker, letting the community find their favourite books in their local stores on and offline.We look forward to welcoming the literary fans across the UK to join the first ever BookTok Late at the British Library, to celebrate this landmark year!New to TikTok and want to join the World's Biggest Book Club with #BookTok and #NationalYearofReading2026? Getting involved couldn’t be easier, simply download for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.Visit goallin.org.uk for further information about the National Year of Reading 2026.