Every first Thursday in March, children across East Sussex get to dress up as their favourite book character (or for many, whatever is the easiest costume for a parent to pull together the night before) and celebrate World Book Day. It’s a day dedicated to revelling in the pleasure of reading and sharing our favourite stories and characters with others. Parents and teachers encourage children to make time for reading and to take a step back from technology because we know that reading has so many wellbeing benefits. For example, ‘reading for as little as six minutes daily can lower stress levels by 60%’ and in a report by the Reading Agency in 2025, they found that 74% 0f readers in the UK reported a positive impact on their mental health, improved relaxation and reduced anxiety.
While World Book Day is usually reserved for children, we think that it’s time adults got involved and found their way back to their love of reading. Here are just a few ideas to get your started:
Host a book swap at work or with friends
Whether you work in an office, a school, a hospital or even on a building site, why not invite your colleagues to join you in a book swap. It’s easy! Everyone brings in a favourite book, or one they’ve recently read and enjoyed and are happy to part with. You can create a designated space and pile them next to the kettle or in a shared space like a lunchroom and your colleagues can take whatever book they fancy. Not only is it a great way to discover new writers and genres, but it also opens up new conversations and potentially gets you chatting with different people at work.
Alternatively, you could host a book swap with friends. You could invite everyone to your home or head to your local coffee shop and get swapping over a flat white and a slice of cake.
Remember, the book swap doesn’t have to take place on World Book Day but it is a great reason to make the suggestion.
Get a library card
If you don’t have one already, World Book Day is a great day to head to your local library and get yourself a library card. You could even take your little one with you and sign them up or have a solo library date if you’re looking for some downtime.
There are so many libraries across the county to enjoy, all with their own unique character. But one thing they all have in common is books you can borrow for free plus somewhere comfortable to sit and read in peace.
Also, with a library card you can also access the digital library from the comfort of your home or while you’re out and about. Enjoy free access to e-books, audiobooks, e-magazines and e-newspapers!
Find out more about East Sussex Library Service.
Make a pledge to read more
This year, the National Literacy Trust (NLT) have launched the National Year of Reading 2026, to help people (re)discover the joys and wellbeing benefits of reading.
Why not make a pledge this World Book Day to read more this year or even set a specific goal. For example, I am going to read 10 books in 2026. It doesn’t have to be a huge goal, just one you feel excited to make happen!
Here are some top tips to help you:
- If you’re into it, read into it! So if you have a love for planes or retro video games or a passion for Syrian hamsters (like me), read up about that interest. Not only does it make it easier to stick with it, but you also get to learn more about something you love. You don’t have to read the classics, or whatever is trending on BookTok for it to count, you just need to read
- Experiment with formats. As we mentioned before, the library has so much to experience and more than just physical books. Maybe you’ll try a graphic novel, or read a magazine from front to back or you’ll listen to a classic like Jane Eyre as an audiobook on the bus to work. There are no rules
- Try out different genres. Like horror films? Try a Stephen King novel. Obsessed with celebrity gossip? Read non-fiction in the form of celebrity biographies. Love science? Try some science fiction form a legend like Phillip K Dick
If you do decide to make a pledge, share it with us on Instagram. Post to your stories and tag @your_east_sussex!
However you’re spending World Book Day, consider how you could improve your relationship with reading. Whether you fancy exploring new worlds from the comfort of your morning commute or are looking for another tool to help manage the stress and anxiety that comes with being an adult, give reading a go and remember to be patient with yourself. Like most hobbies, they take a little practise.
Looking for book inspiration? Take a look at our Good Books articles, where every month, an East Sussex librarian (or guest author) shares their top picks for fiction, non-fiction, audiobook and children’s literature.
