MP and author invites residents to share stories about the books they love

Yuan Yang, author and MP for Earley and Woodley, is inviting residents to rediscover a love for reading at a free event.

All are welcome to go along and attend Reading Revolutions at Lower Earley Library in Chalfont Close from 11am to 12noon on Friday 23 January. You don’t have to book. However, places at the venue are limited, so people are encouraged to arrive in good time.

Mrs Yang became the first Chinese-born Briton to be elected to Westminster in July 2024, when she won the seat for Labour for Earley and Woodley. 

The former Financial Times journalist is also the author of Private Revolutions, published by Bloomsbury Publishing in April 2025. It was shortlisted for the 2025 Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction and tells the stories of four Chinese women, ‘who refuse to accept the life laid out for them’.

The books which shape people's lives

At the event in Lower Earley, Mrs Yang will share with the audience books which have shaped her life and politics – in conversation with book blogger and broadcaster Simon Savidge. Mrs Yang would love to hear from residents about books which have provided them with comfort or changed how they view the world.

She said: “I can’t wait to discuss the books that got me into reading with everyone at Lower Earley Library. It'll be great to see as many people there as possible.”

Cllr Rachel Bishop-Firth, the executive member for resident services, inclusion and fighting poverty, said: “This is such an exciting event and opportunity. Yuan is not only the MP for Earley and Woodley but is also an author of a really powerful book shortlisted for the Women’s Prize for Non-Fiction.”

More opportunities for people to read

Reading Revolutions is organised by Libraries Connected, the public libraries membership body. It supports the joint Department for Education and National Literacy Trust initiative, the National Year of Reading, which in 2026 is inviting people to rediscover a joy for reading. 

Isobel Hunter MBE, chief executive of Libraries Connected, said: “This event with Yuan is a fantastic way to kick off the National Year of Reading 2026 and create more opportunities for people to enjoy reading. Yuan brings a unique perspective. The conversation will be both insightful and inspiring.”

Cllr Bishop-Firth said: “Wokingham Borough libraries provide a fantastic resource for residents. This is a brilliant chance to go along and hear not only Yuan’s story, but hear other people’s stories, about books which changed their lives.” 

Mrs Yang said: “In a digital age when literacy is on the decline, encouraging reading at all ages is so important.”  

Cllr Bishop-Firth added: “Key to the National Year of Reading is encouraging people to discover or rediscover a love of reading. This event could provide that spark for people.”