Date
Thursday, 8 October 2026 - 10:00am to 5:00pm
Location
British Council Kolkata and New Delhi
Additional information
Prior registration is mandatory.

The National Literacy Trust and British Council are aiming to set a new GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title for the most people reading online in 12 hours. Drawing on the British Council’s global network of education and cultural partners across 85 countries and territories, the record attempt will bring together students, teachers, families and communities in a shared celebration of reading.

As part of the National Year of Reading, the invitation is simple: whatever you're into, Take 10 to Read. Whether it’s a book, comic, magazine, poem or match report, just 10 minutes of reading can support wellbeing, spark curiosity and open up new worlds.

Join us in person in India

Readers in India can be part of this global celebration by joining us in person at the British Council centres in New Delhi and Kolkata on 8 October. Come together with fellow readers, enjoy a shared reading experience and contribute to this exciting global record attempt.

There will be two sessions at both venues:

  1. Morning Session | Schools & Young Learners - 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. - Designed for school students and young readers, this session will feature a shared reading experience and activty, encouraging children to discover the joy of reading and be part of a global literacy movement.
  1. Afternoon Session | Adult Learners - 2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. - Open to college students and adults aged 18+, this session offers an opportunity to read together, join activities, connect with fellow readers and contribute to the global record attempt.

Register for free

Join us online

You can also Take 10 to Read online and join readers around the world. The global record event will feature four Zoom sessions with renowned authors and influencers. These sessions are designed to:
  • Engage and inspire different age groups: 5-8 years, 8-12 years, 12-16 years and adults (16+)
  • Include a dedicated 10-minute reading moment
  • Be repeated throughout the day, making participation accessible to audiences across different time zones.
Readers everywhere are invited to take part in this collective ‘time out’ that transcends borders. 
 

Find out more and join online

Whether you join us in person or online, take a moment to pause, read and connect with a global community of readers. Take 10 and be part of a celebration of the power of reading to bring people together.

For any queries please write to Indialibraries@britishcouncil.org

 

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