One thousand free, accessible books will be distributed across Whitby in everyday locations like bus shelters and fish and chip shops to help people rediscover the joy of reading.
One thousand free books will appear in everyday spaces across Whitby this November to help residents rediscover the joy of reading.
Bus shelters, fish and chip shops, and local charity groups will host the short, accessible stories. The initiative aims to place literature directly into the hands of those who need it most, using familiar and informal community locations.
Whitby Lit Fest will distribute the titles following a major donation from The Reading Agency. The giveaway forms part of the National Year of Reading and its associated '#GoAllIn' campaign.
Known as 'Quick Reads', the books are written by bestselling authors and are specifically designed to inspire confidence. They serve as a gateway for individuals who may not have picked up a novel in years, alongside supporting people who are dyslexic, neurodivergent, or simply building their reading skills.
Regular reading can deliver transformative effects across a person’s lifetime. The activity improves life chances, boosts social mobility, and enhances mental well-being. Research shows that people who read for just thirty minutes a week report a twenty per cent increase in life satisfaction.
Despite these well-documented benefits, recent State of the Nation research from The Reading Agency reveals that only fifty-three per cent of adults in the United Kingdom consider themselves regular readers.
Chair of Whitby Lit Fest, Lois Kirtlan, said:
"We’re incredibly grateful to The Reading Agency for this generous donation. Quick Reads have the power to unlock the huge benefits and joy of reading for people who may have felt reading wasn’t for them. By placing books in everyday spaces across Whitby, we hope to spark curiosity, comfort and maybe even a new chapter in someone’s reading journey and encourage people to attend the festival this year, to ignite a passion for books."
The free book giveaway will begin on the 19th of November, coinciding with the start of the town's literary festival. Running until the 22nd of November, the event will connect readers with contemporary writers and aims to inspire both locals and visitors alike.
This year's festival lineup features prominent authors including Si King, John Boyne, Sian Williams, Hugh Bonneville, and Peter Oborne. Crime writers Mark Billingham and Ann Cleeves are also heading to Whitby for the event, and both have previously authored titles for the Quick Reads series.
The donated books will feature a mix of stories from across the initiative's history. The upcoming year of 2026 will mark the twentieth anniversary of both the Quick Reads programme and The National Year of Reading.
Chief Executive of The Reading Agency, Karen Napier MBE, said:
"We are delighted to support Whitby Lit Fest. Quick Reads are designed to break down barriers and show that reading can be enjoyable, accessible and life enhancing for everyone. We’re excited to see these books reaching people in the heart of the community and inspiring more people to discover the pleasure of reading particularly during the National Year of Reading."
Whitby Lit Fest launched last year to celebrate the coastal town’s rich literary heritage. Operating as a registered charity, the organisation has a remit to provide public benefit while advancing the education and appreciation of literature in and around the Whitby area.
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