Overview
On Thursday 8 October, the National Literacy Trust and the British Council will aim 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.
Now in its fifth year, Take 10 to Read highlights the wellbeing benefits of reading and encourages people of all ages to take just 10 minutes to read on and around World Mental Health Day. In the National Year of Reading, the message is simple: whatever you're into, take 10 to read into it.
This year, in partnership with the British Council, Take 10 to Read is becoming a global initiative, connecting readers of all ages and backgrounds through the British Council's worldwide network. Together, we'll create a shared reading moment that transcends borders.
What to expect from the event:
The event will include four exciting sessions with world-renowned authors and influencers, each designed to engage and inspire different age groups (age for guidance only - come to whichever interests you!).
The four sessions:
- Ages 5 to 8: A reading of Super Uma by Rashmi Sirdeshpande, followed by a draw-along activity with illustrator Nakul P.
- Ages 8 to 12: Frank Cottrell-Boyce will read from The Blockbusters! and explore themes including cinema and culture.
- Ages 12 to 16: Nathanael Lessore will discuss topics linked to What Happens Online, including digital identity, confidence, family and school life. Please note that this event includes embarrassing anecdotes relating to bodily functions and toileting accidents. Some viewers may find these references unsuitable or uncomfortable.
- Ages 16+: Coco Omer and Zubs, alongside reading ambassadors, will discuss their connection with reading and what it means for their wellbeing.
Sessions will be repeated at different times throughout the day to make participation as accessible as possible for a global audience. You can come to more than one session.
The Cartoon Museum will be showing a number of these webinars as part of this world record-breaking attempt. You can drop in and watch, and, most importantly - read! This is free, but if you want to visit our exhibitions, you'll need to purchase a General Admission Ticket and you can do this online or on the day. You don't have to watch the full webinar; you just have to come and read for ten minutes. You can bring your own book or borrow one of our selection of comics.
This will take place in the Clore Learning Studio unless otherwise stated.
Can't make it? Find out other ways to participate here