The documentary, to be broadcast later this year, will mark the UK’s National Year of Reading and will be produced in partnership with The BBC and the Open University.
“We hope to inspire people of all ages to pick up a book, to see the world in new ways and potentially change their own lives,” said Suzy Klein, head of BBC Art and Classical Music TV.
“We are especially delighted that Her Majesty the Queen, a devoted reader and champion of literature, is at the heart of this celebratory new project.”
The documentary will hear personal stories from people who have discovered the joy of reading and used it to change their lives. They will include those who have found solace in books while in prison and others who have used a connection a book club to overcome deep depression.
The programme will also examine the scientific evidence the shows how reading can improve health and wellbeing.
It will be directed by Toby Trackman, winner of a Royal Television Society award for his film The Last Musician of Auschwitz.