Take 10 is a campaign from Read Manchester to promote the mental wellbeing benefits of reading.  

We know that reading is a great way to relax, boost your mood and escape elsewhere – and it doesn’t have to be through a book. Reading the post-match analysis of Saturday’s football game, an interview with your favourite actor, DIY hacks or magazines all count. 

 Through reading we are transported away from the day-to-day stresses of work and life and taken elsewhere. That’s why we’re encouraging everyone to join in a Take 10 to read moment for 10 minutes, at 10am on Tuesday 10 October, in support of World Mental Health Day. 

If 10am doesn’t work for you, why not try and squeeze those 10 minutes into another time on 10 October?  Or even better, why not let this be the start of a regular I0 minutes a day reading habit?  We’d love to see what you’re reading and who with?  Are you reading on your commute, at the gym or at home?  Where’s your favourite reading nook? 

Share your reading and Take 10 pictures with us #ReadMCR #Take10toRead 

Tag us on twitter: @manclibraries, @Literacy_Trust 

Tag us on Facebook: @ManchesterLibraries, @ReadManchester 

Our #Take10toRead campaign, developed in Manchester, is now promoted across the country by our partners in the National Literacy Trust. You can find out more about how to get involved here Take 10 to Read | National Literacy Trust 

Why not try these ideas at work? 

  • Create a book group to share a love of reading and have the chance to try different types of books. Group meetings could be hosted in person or virtually and are a great way of meeting new people. 
  • Set up a bookshelf or space in your office for books to be donated and swapped to encourage employees to discover new books 
  • Create a notice board in your office or a virtual space for employees to share book recommendations with each other 
  • Organise a book swap event at your organisation. Encourage people to bring in books they no longer read and set up a time and place to swap them. You could make it a coffee morning event with refreshments and comfortable places to sit and read. 

Why not volunteer with Read Manchester as a Literacy Champion? 

Literacy Champions are self-led volunteers who are passionate about making a difference in their community or organisation. They are advocates, influencers and fundraisers who understand the power of literacy in changing life stories.  You might like to set up a book group or book swap, or come and chat in our bookgifting HQ while you help us to prepare free book boxes.  If you’d like to find out more, please contact Helen helen.beesley@literacytrust.org.uk