New York Public Library event showcases growing influence of The Queen’s Reading Room and its mission to expand global readership

New York Public Library event showcases growing influence of The Queen’s Reading Room and its mission to expand global readership

(IN BRIEF) The Queen’s Reading Room hosted a high-profile event at the New York Public Library, led by Queen Camilla, to celebrate the strong literary ties between the United Kingdom and the United States. Attended by prominent authors and cultural figures, the gathering highlighted the importance of reading in enhancing mental wellbeing and fostering cultural connection. The initiative, which has grown into a global charity reaching millions across 183 countries, continues to advocate for increased literacy and reading engagement. The event also signalled plans for closer collaboration with major institutions to strengthen communities through literature, while drawing support from both cultural and business leaders.

(PRESS RELEASE) LUXEMBOURG, 1-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — The Queen’s Reading Room brought together prominent literary and cultural voices at the New York Public Library to celebrate the enduring cultural connection between the United Kingdom and the United States through literature. The event, hosted by Queen Camilla, highlighted the role of reading in fostering shared understanding and strengthening transatlantic ties.

The gathering attracted a distinguished audience of internationally recognised figures, including Harlan Coben, Min Jin Lee, Anna Wintour, and Sarah Jessica Parker. Together, they joined in recognising literature as a unifying force capable of bridging cultures and generations.

The event also marked a notable milestone for The Queen’s Reading Room, which has evolved from a digital book club launched during the pandemic into an international charitable initiative. Now reaching audiences in 183 countries and engaging millions of readers worldwide, the organisation has become a key advocate for the benefits of reading, particularly in promoting mental wellbeing.

During the reception, Queen Camilla addressed guests in one of the library’s historic spaces, emphasising the measurable impact of reading on mental health. She noted that even short periods of reading fiction can significantly reduce stress levels while enhancing overall wellbeing. Beyond these benefits, she underscored literature’s unique ability to connect people across borders and backgrounds.

Looking ahead, she expressed a commitment to deepening collaboration between The Queen’s Reading Room and major cultural institutions such as the New York Public Library, with the aim of strengthening communities through increased access to literature and shared reading experiences.

Vicki Perrin, Chief Executive of The Queen’s Reading Room, highlighted the organisation’s ambition to reverse declining reading rates both in the UK and internationally. She described literature as a cornerstone of the UK-US relationship, noting its long-standing influence in shaping opportunity, wellbeing, and a sense of belonging across societies.

Support for the initiative extended beyond the literary world, with contributions from business leaders such as Cathrin Petty of CVC Capital Partners, who emphasised the importance of literacy and education in promoting social mobility and building resilient communities.

Harlan Coben also reinforced the broader societal value of reading, pointing to its role in developing empathy, resilience, and understanding, and encouraging greater collective effort to prioritise literacy.

The event underscored the growing global momentum behind The Queen’s Reading Room and its mission to promote reading as a tool for personal and societal development, while strengthening cultural exchange between nations.

Media Contact:

Patrick Humphris
Managing Director, Head of Corporate Affairs
CVC
Tel: +44 204 576 9526
phumphris@cvc.com

SOURCE: CVC Capital Partners