West Sussex Libraries Reading Challenge

This month, libraries across West Sussex are challenging residents across the county to join the 2023 reading challenge.

The challenge is to read twelve books in twelve months and the theme of each month differs to include genres that readers may have never experienced before, including books that celebrate the great outdoors, a prize-winning book, and a book with a Sussex connection.

The aim of the challenge is to encourage a love of reading in adults and to improve people’s mental health as The Reading Agency points out that non-readers are 28% more likely to report feelings of depression.

Continuing the reading challenge in 2023

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue, said: “For the past four years, all 36 West Sussex Libraries have been running an adult reading challenge in various districts and boroughs which has been very well received and has seen more than 1,000 library members from Adur and Worthing, Chichester District, Mid Sussex and Horsham District take part.

“This year libraries felt it was the right time to roll the challenge out to all residents across West Sussex so that everyone can come together and share their love of books with likeminded individuals, whilst also participating in the joys of reading

“With the cost of living pressures causing tighter budgets, this challenge is definitely worth signing up to as it is completely free to participate in as a library member and you can borrow up to 20 items at a time.”

The book themes over the next 12 months

• January – A book to make you feel good
• February – A book that has been adapted for the screen
• March – A book that celebrates the great outdoors
• April – A children’s classic
• May – A book set in another country
• June – A book with a Sussex connection
• July – A book you’ve judged by its cover
• August – A book set by the sea
• September – A prize-winning book
• October – A book about books
• November – A book set in the past or future
• December – A biography

There is also a wildcard option, where readers can substitute any month of the challenge with any book from their own to-read list.

Participants can also share their love of books with other challenge members and library staff by emailing reviews and recommendations to library.events@westsussex.gov.uk, joining the Facebook Virtual Reading Group, or having a conversation in their local West Sussex library.

Residents of West Sussex who are not already library members can sign up for free either online or at their local library.

For further information or to join the challenge, visit the West Sussex Libraries Reading Challenge website: westsussex.gov.uk/west-sussex-libraries-reading-challenge-2023