Quick Reads Impact

Since the programme launched in 2006, over 5.4 million Quick Reads have been distributed with over 6.2 million library loans.

In 2024, we worked with 220 partners including libraries, prisons, food banks and workplaces, to gift 35,904 copies of Quick Reads books to people who might benefit the most from these accessible, shorter-format texts.

Over 1,000 Quick Reads readers told us what difference the books have made to their lives…

More than 1 in 2 (52%) tried a new author or genre
1 in 2 (44%) enjoy reading more
More than 1 in 6 (17%) feel more confident reading
Almost 1 in 7 (14%) have improved their reading skills
Almost 1 in 5 (18%) feel more confident to try new things

What changes do they plan to make?

92% want to read another Quick Read
1 in 2 (44%) want to read more often
61% want to read another book by the same author
35% want to talk more about reading with other people
Almost 1 in 5 (18%) want to read more often with their children or family

“English isn’t my first language, which is why I lack confidence in starting big books, as I feel I may never finish them. That’s why quick reads are a perfect solution – they’re like small steps towards a significant achievement.”

– Quick Reads reader

“Thick, long story books I find intimidating… Shorter stories and books appeal as I can relax and know I’m not committing too much time or focus and can just enjoy it. I have gone from not reading to reading all the quick books series I can find. I have also introduced family to them.”

– Quick Reads reader

We asked less confident readers what they thought after reading their Quick Read:

74% enjoyed reading more
72% would like to read more often
44% would like to try new things
33% felt they were a better reader
37% would like to talk more about reading with others

Who reads Quick Reads?

1 in 4 read less than once a month before picking up their Quick Reads
1 in 4 has a mental or physical health support need
1 in 3 lives in an area of multiple deprivation
Over 1 in 5 (22%) tried their Quick Read to improve their reading confidence

“I’m not normally a reader but having read this book which I really enjoyed it has made me want to read another book.”

– Quick Reads reader

“English isn’t my mother language. So read a book from Quick Read has been helping me so much to develop my literacy, so I really love it and I’m enjoying it so much. Thank you!”

– Quick Reads reader