Read Manchester

09/10/2026

What day! 8,000 books were given away on the Bee Network today as part of our campaign to promote the wellbeing benefits of reading on and around World Mental Health Day.

📚 In partnership with Transport for Greater Manchester, we gifted 6,000 books on the tram this morning - they were placed on seats for passengers to discover, have a read, and either take home or leave it for someone else to pick up and enjoy.

📚 2,000 books were also given out by Greater Manchester Libraries at bus interchanges across the wider city region, which included books gifted by the team.

Did you pick up a book today? We'd love to hear from you!

Manchester City Council

09/10/2026

We had a fantastic day at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust yesterday, gifting 1,800 books and chatting to patients, staff and visitors about our campaign.

We were thrilled to be joined by bestselling author, former doctor and ambassador Adam Kay, who helped us to gift books, met with junior doctors and read with a group of young patients in the children’s unit.

Take 10 to Read highlights the wellbeing benefits of reading and encourages people of all ages to spend 10 minutes reading on and around World Mental Health Day (tomorrow, 10 October).

Will you join in and read this weekend? We'd love to hear what you're reading!

06/10/2026

A great way to help your child enjoy stories is to let them choose the books you share.

Don’t worry if they don’t want to read all the words. If you're having fun together, you’re getting it right!

Your child might love joining in with the actions or chatting about the pictures. All these moments make a difference.

Watch this video for more ideas...

05/10/2026

Calling all schools, organisations, community groups and individuals... don't miss your chance to take part in our attempt to set a new Guinness World Record!

Will you take 10 minutes to read and help to set a new world record?

On Thursday 8 October, in partnership with British Council, we’ll attempt to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most people reading online in 12 hours. It’s part of our campaign in the .

Join online sessions with authors and influencers throughout the day and be part of a global shared reading moment. Schools, businesses, community groups, families and individuals can all get involved.

Sign up and take 10 minutes to read into what you love: https://loom.ly/ycVOruU

04/10/2026

Life is busy and it isn’t always easy to find time for yourself.

We’re encouraging everyone to on or around World Mental Health Day (10 October).

Reading is a great way to calm your mind and boost your mood. Whether it’s a comic, magazine, audiobook or favourite story, taking just 10 minutes to read can help you relax and connect with others.

Take 10 to Read started here in Manchester in 2018 and we’re proud to see the campaign reaching readers across the UK.

01/10/2026

Free family event for children aged 0-5!

When? Wednesday 7 October
Time: 10am-12pm
Where? Max Trax, Delamere Park 🛴

As part of our Boys Love Stories campaign, we’re teaming up with Kerrie at Max Trax Openshaw for an exciting, fun event. Come along to laugh, play and enjoy time outdoors with your little one.

What to expect?

A friendly, relaxed atmosphere
Exploring fun creative activities
Outdoor play and stories
A free book for every child to choose and keep!

While this event is part of our Boys Love Stories campaign, it’s open to all children aged 0-5 and their families. Everyone will receive a warm welcome. 🤗

Find out more about the campaign: https://literacytrust.org.uk/early-years/their-story-starts-with-you/boys-love-stories

28/09/2026

How can you share stories with your little one before they can read or talk? 📚

It’s never too early to start looking at books together. Your baby might love looking at the pictures, listening to your voice or joining in with simple actions.

Start by giving your little one different book options and sharing a story they’re drawn to. Watch this video for ideas to try at home.

24/09/2026

Share stories with your boy because…

It’s fun and a great way to help him learn to talk.

It brings other benefits too…
When you share stories, you’re giving your boy a way to meet new animals, explore places, and talk about his feelings.

Find out how stories can support his confidence, happiness and development: https://literacytrust.org.uk/early-years/their-story-starts-with-you/boys-love-stories/

17/09/2026

Letting your boy choose which books you share together makes story time more fun for them!

There are children’s books about everything – cars, space, superheroes...🚀

At the library, your boy can pick any stories that make him excited.

Share the books you borrow at home, or out and about, on the bus or in the park.

Find easy ways to make stories fun: https://literacytrust.org.uk/early-years/their-story-starts-with-you/boys-love-stories/

15/09/2026

Calling families in Gorton📣

Come along to our 'Stories Rock' pop-up in Tesco next Monday 21 September!

See the poster below for more details.