Passengers travelling across Manchester’s tram network were in for a surprise on Friday 9 October as 6,000 free books were given away on the city’s trams by Read Manchester to mark World Mental Health Day, 10 October.
‘So thoughtful! I was lucky enough to get a lovely book on the tram this morning. Really brightened my day.’
The free book giveaway in partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) saw thousands of free reads placed on tram seats at the crack of dawn – a book on every seat – and sent on their way from tram depots right across the tram network, ready to be picked up by passengers of all ages.
The book giveaway is part of Read Manchester’s Take 10 to Read campaign which was first launched by Read Manchester in 2018 and is now promoted by the National Literacy Trust across the UK – and also this year worldwide through a world record attempt.
The campaign highlights the wellbeing benefits of reading, and each year encourages people of all ages to spend 10 minutes reading on and around World Mental Health Day (10 October). to help improve their mental health and well-being. It complements wider work around the city by Read Manchester to encourage reading for enjoyment and help people discover the positive impact reading can have on learning, wellbeing and everyday life.
Here are some comments lucky passengers shared with us on their socials:
‘It was the nicest start to my Friday tram ride!! Thank you so much! 💖’
‘ So very impressed with this and cheered my morning up no end! THANK YOU!’
‘My son got a free book and is over the moon – thank you’
‘Picked my book on my way to Heaton Park, thank you! Such a lovely initiative, I will make sure I read it and pass it in. Thank you’
‘My husband brought one home for our children. We’re excited to read it, thank you!’
‘Loved this. What a lovely start to the day. Picked up a book and will pass on. Plus it encouraged people to speak to each other on the tram. Win win! Thank you’.
In addition to the 6,000 books being left on trams, Greater Manchester Libraries also joined in by giving away a further 2,000 free books at bus interchanges across the wider city region. Library services were out and about for the day talking to people about the services they provide for readers of all ages, as well as handing out free books to passengers.
This year’s Take Ten to Read campaign, taking place during the National Year of Reading 2026, calls on people to explore their hobbies and interests through reading, with a simple message: whatever you’re into, take 10 and read into it.
Councillor Shazia Butt, Executive Member for Culture, Libraries and Leisure, Manchester City Council, said:
“Good mental health is important for everyone whatever your age and escaping into the world of a book and reading – even just for ten minutes a day – is something that research shows can make a positive difference to how people feel.
“Together with our partners at the National Literacy Trust we’ve been helping Mancunians and others find a love of books and reading for ten years now through Read Manchester, with over half a million books given away so far, and we hope passengers of all ages on the trams today enjoy our latest book giveaway and pick up a book and have a good read on us!”
Fran Wilkinson, Customer and Growth Director at TfGM, said:
“A book can give someone the chance to switch off, escape into another world, learn something new, or simply enjoy a few moments to themselves.
“We are proud to work with Manchester City Council, Read Manchester and the National Literacy Trust, to bring thousands of free books to people as they travel on the Bee Network – and I hope that moment of surprise and enjoyment has really made someone’s day.”
New research from the National Literacy Trust explores the relationship between children and young people’s reading habits and wellbeing. The report finds that children and young people who enjoy reading, read daily and feel confident in their reading reported higher levels of wellbeing than their peers who are less engaged with reading.
The benefits of reading for pleasure at any age are also highlighted in a recent research review from the University of Cambridge and The Queens Reading Room. It shows a positive link between reading engagement and improved brain and mental health, better cognitive performance, and reduced risk of cognitive decline.
All photos ©Mark Waugh