Shetland Library is joining libraries in a national challenge for everyone to pledge to read six minutes a day, to celebrate the power of reading, libraries and good mental health.
The Scottish Reading Moment 2022 is a public libraries initiative, supported by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC) in partnership with the Mental Health Foundation and the Scottish Association for Mental Health (SAMH).
The challenge aims to inspire and encourage people of all ages and abilities to read every day to boost their mental health and wellbeing. A first step can start with a pledge to read for just six minutes on Wednesday 11 May.
Shetland Library staff will mark the day by taking turns to read out-loud for six minutes per hour throughout the day, picking spots to read throughout the library and selecting readings for children and adults. Everyone is invited to join the fun.
An online totaliser, capturing the number of reading minutes pledged towards the national reading moment, is available at: www.keeptheheid.scot Participants can log on, pledge their time and enter the prize draw for a chance to win a £100 book token. Young Scot members can earn 150 Young Scot Rewards points for signing the pledge.
Research shows that reading for six minutes a day can reduce stress by 68 percent – in people of all ages. With the national reading moment due to take place during Mental Health Week 2022 (9-15 May 2022), the campaign signals the perfect opportunity to take stock and establish a regular reading habit.
Marghie West, Adult Services Librarian at Shetland Library says “Reading has always helped lift me out of myself and away from my day to day worries. It is a simple way to take a break and allow your mind to roam. The library has all sorts of reading materials, paper and online to help everyone find something that suits their needs and interests.”
Kathleen Jamie, the national poet for Scotland (2021-2024), said: "Our local libraries are full of great reading material - books of course, but also comics and pamphlets of poetry, so they are the perfect places to release the imagination, whatever your ability and interests.
“Reading for pleasure can have a huge impact on our wellbeing. I read every day, often early in the morning to set me up for the day, so I'm glad to support the Keep the Heid and Read campaign. I've pledged my six minutes of reading on 11 May and would encourage everyone else to do the same."