Take 10 to Read was developed here in Manchester to promote the wellbeing benefits of reading. Designed to support World Mental Health Day, we’ve given away thousands of books, hosted Drop Everything and Read events and chatted about how books and reading can help us relax and de-stress. Now we’re going global and need your help!
On Thursday 8 October, we will be supporting the National Literacy Trust and the British Council in an attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title for the most people reading online in 12 hours.
The record attempt is part of the Take 10 to Read campaign in the National Year of Reading 2026 – and the message is simple: whatever you’re into, take 10 to read into it. Children and young people may be getting involved through school but there are also opportunities to sign up as a family or as an individual. There are four different age-appropriate sessions with brilliant authors repeated throughout the day so you can choose the hour-long session that suits you. Find out more and sign up here Go All In for Take 10 to Read and set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title! | National Literacy Trust
2026 will be the fourth year that we are gifting books at The Christie Hospital in Withington. We’ll be there to chat to patients and staff, as well as visiting patients on the wards. We will also be supporting three of the Christie’s satellite sites with free books. This is always one of our favourite (and most hectic) events with loads of excitement and great book chat!
How to get involved with Take 10 to Read:
- Join in with the Take 10 to Read Guinness World Records attempt on 8 October
- Take a photo and share your #Take10toRead photo with us (socials below)
- Grab a book (or magazine, comic or audio-book) and take 10 minutes for yourself to read!
Social media:
Facebook: @readmanchester and @manchesterlibraries
Instagram: Please tag @manclib_archives
#Take10toRead
#NationalYearofReading2026
#ReadMCR
