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Take 10 to Read in Manchester

Our #Take10ToRead campaign encourages people of all ages to drop everything and read for just 10 minutes and experience the wellbeing benefits of reading. Our research shows that reading for enjoyment can help you relax and boost your mood, as well as supporting the vital literacy skills needed to succeed at school, work and in life.

Take 10 to Read was first developed by Read Manchester in 2018 and is now promoted by the National Literacy Trust across the UK.

Take 10 in Manchester in 2026

Thank you to all those who participated in our Take 10 to Read campaign this year around World Mental Health Day (Saturday 10 October). In 2026 we covered all areas, in the city where Take 10 to Read began!

  • We had a fantastic day at The Christie on Thursday 8 October, gifting 1,800 books and chatting to patients, staff and visitors about the campaign. We were thrilled to be joined by bestselling author, former doctor and National Year of Reading ambassador Adam Kay. Adam helped to gift books, met with junior doctors and read a with a group of young patients in the children’s unit.
  • 8,000 books were given away on the Bee Network! In partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, 6,000 books were gifted onto trams on Friday 9 October, surprising passengers on their morning journeys. 2,000 books were also given out by Greater Manchester Libraries at bus interchanges across the wider city, including books gifted by the National Year of Reading team.
  • 1,082 children, young people and adults across Manchester took part in the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title attempt on Thursday 8 October, aiming to set a new record for the most people reading online in 12 hours.

"I am here visiting with my son who is having treatment. I have just got back into reading and have found it gets me off my phone. Long may reading continue." - Visitor at The Christie

“This is the best event, we’ve waited for it all year! A great cause to help mental health.” - Staff member at The Christie

"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." - Passenger on the Tram

"What a lovely start to a drizzly Friday, picked mine up on the way in to work!" - Passenger on the Tram

Campaign resources

It is always a good time to get in the habit of reading for 10 minutes a day. You can put on a Take 10 event at any time of the year, using our resources below to make it extra special.  

Parents and families

Taking 10 minutes to read with your child each day is a great habit to develop and it’s never too early to start. Check out our tips for making reading at home fun. Find out more.

Manchester early years dad