East Riding Libraries are launching a campaign which encourages people to read for just ‘5 minutes a day’ as part of their National Year of Reading programme.
Aimed at adults, the campaign is based on recent research conducted by the Queen’s Reading Room and is designed to encourage more people to make reading a part of their everyday routine.
It has been found that reading for just five minutes every day can reduce stress by almost 20% and helps to manage stress levels for the rest of the day too.
There is an important link between reading fiction, mental health, brain health, and social connectedness, with reading fiction being proven to help reduce feelings of loneliness in adults.
Councillor Nick Coultish, cabinet member for culture, leisure, and tourism at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “Across our communities, reading for fun is declining among adults and children.
‘’This campaign is a brilliant way to bring the idea of small wins to the forefront, with the aim of getting people reading and doing something to help them disconnect from their busy lives.
‘’We have lots of fantastic libraries across the East Riding and I look forward to seeing people getting involved in this campaign and making use of our fantastic facilities.’’
Librarian, Zac Girdlestone, added: “Reading is such a valuable way to spend any free time and has so many benefits, yet many people find it difficult to fit it into their busy lifestyles.
“Through our new campaign, we’re trying to encourage people to find at least ‘5 minutes a day’ to pick up a book or listen to an audio book. Just five minutes of reading for pleasure offers huge benefits, reducing stress, improving your brain function and enhancing empathy and social skills, all contributing to overall mental health and wellbeing.”
The campaign will last throughout 2026 during the National Year of Reading, but will continue to develop and leave a lasting legacy once 2026 is over.
To keep up to date on the campaign, including what you can do to get involved, visit: Health Zone
