Get involved in a Guinness World Record as part of the National Year of Reading
Children, young people and adults around the world are being invited to pause for 10 minutes and read together to experience the wellbeing benefits of reading for a brand-new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title taking place in the lead up to World Mental Health Day (10 October). This marks a collaboration between The National Literacy Trust and the British Council in the National Year of Reading 2026.
The attempt for the new record for the ‘most people reading together online over 12 hours’ will take place on 8 October where schools, families and people in workplaces, libraries and community settings will be invited to take part in online events designed for different age groups. Each pre-recorded session lasts no more than an hour and includes a dedicated ten-minute reading session, during which participants will read together. This forms part of the Guinness World Records attempt. Sessions will be repeated at the times in brackets below.
- Ages 5 to 8: A reading of ‘Super Uma’ by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, followed by a draw-along activity with illustrator Nakul P. (9am, 1pm, 5pm)
- Ages 8 to 12: Frank Cottrell-Boyce will read from ‘The Blockbusters!’ and explore themes including cinema and culture. (10am, 2pm, 6pm)
- Ages 12 to 16: Nathanael Lessore will discuss topics linked to ‘What Happens Online’, including digital identity, confidence, family and school life. (11am, 3pm, 7pm)
- Ages 16+: Coco Omer and Zubs, alongside reading ambassadors, will discuss their connection with reading and what it means for their wellbeing. (12noon, 4pm, 8pm)
The new record attempt coincides with the National Literacy Trust’s annual #Take10toRead campaign which aims to make reading an accessible part of everyday life, while highlighting the opportunities reading can provide for relaxation, reflection, creativity, connection and exploring different perspectives. The partnership with the British Council offers the opportunity to reach up to 700 million people across 150 countries around the world through its culture and educational networks, making the record attempt truly global.
