Adults invited to discover the benefits of reading this summer

Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Libraries Service is inviting adults to discover the benefits of reading and the enjoyment it can bring this summer as Adults Read Two returns.

Following the success of last year’s campaign, the challenge is back both online and in libraries, encouraging adults aged 18 and over to read at least two books between 4 July and 6 September.

Participants can choose any format that suits them – from physical books to eBooks and eAudiobooks – and will be entered into a prize draw to win £50 in book vouchers.

Signing up is quick and easy at: 

Join Adults Read Two

...or by picking up a flyer at your local library.

As part of the National Year of Reading, the campaign highlights the many benefits of reading for pleasure. Taking time to read can boost wellbeing, improve literacy and help reduce stress – making summer the perfect opportunity to slow down and pick up a good book.

Libraries are also encouraging residents to help reach an ambitious target of 1.1 million book loans in 2026 by simply borrowing one extra item on their next visit.

Maria Byrne, the Council’s Director of Communities and Environment said:

“Adults Read Two complements our highly successful Summer Reading Challenge for children, which inspires thousands of young readers every year. This summer, we want adults to rediscover that same enjoyment and make time for reading too.

“As well as the chance to win a prize, reading has real health and wellbeing benefits. Research shows that reading for just six minutes can significantly reduce stress levels – even more so than listening to music or having a hot drink. Whether it’s a gripping thriller or a feel-good romance, reading is a simple and enjoyable way to support your wellbeing.”

The borough’s libraries make it easy to take part, with books available free of charge in every format.

Residents can also join the library online in minutes and gain instant access to free digital resources, including free eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers.

From 1 August, readers can also take part in the #BooketList – a collection of 30 recommended reads from the past year, handpicked by the Libraries team. The list includes titles such as Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke, The Correspondence by Virginia Evans and The Midnight Train by Matt Haig.

Following on from the success of Adults Read Two, 11 to 17-year-olds can now join a new Challenge called “Teens Read Two”. Following the same format as “Adults Read Two”, two books need to be read and reviewed in order to enter a prize draw. There will be a £50 book voucher for one lucky winner.

Follow Cheshire Libraries on Facebook and Instagram to explore the list and join the conversation.

A programme of author visits will also take place across the borough:

Dr Anthony Annakin-Smith

📍 Neston Library
📅 Monday 13 July, 2.30pm

Award-winning author Dr Anthony Annakin-Smith shares the moving story of children who came to the Chester branch of London’s Foundling Hospital in the eighteenth century. His talk marks the launch of Left But Not Forgotten: The Children of the Foundling Hospital at Chester.
Free event – no booking required

Clare Mackintosh

📍 Frodsham Library
📅 Wednesday 15 July, 7pm

Join multi-million copy bestselling author Clare Mackintosh for an evening discussing her latest psychological thriller, It’s Not What You Think.

Tickets available via: 

https://www.ticketsource.com/cwaclibraries/  

It’s free and easy to join the library – online, in person or over the phone – and takes just a couple of minutes. Members can access books, digital resources, free Wi-Fi, computers, social activities and more. Devices such as iPads are also available to borrow for use at home.

For full details and terms and conditions, visit:

Find out more about Adults Read Two

Website: www.cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk/libraries

Facebook www.facebook.com/cwaclibrary

Instagram www.instagram.com/cwaclibraries

Find more about the National Year of Reading: 

www.goallin.org.uk/