Anna Nova Galeon

06-09-2025

National Read a Book Day 2025

Image by YuriArcursPeopleimages via Envato Elements

Discover how National Read a Book Day inspires learning, strengthens wellbeing, and helps regulated organisations build cultures of compliance and reflection

Every year on 6 September, National Read a Book Day encourages people to pause, step away from their screens, and immerse themselves in a book. It is more than a reminder to enjoy reading; it is a chance to reflect on the role books play in our lives - shaping thought, sparking empathy, and strengthening both personal and professional growth.

In this blog, Anna Nova Galeon will explore the significance of National Read a Book Day, why reading matters for individuals and organisations, and how highly regulated sectors can use this awareness day to support compliance, wellbeing, and organisational culture.

What is National Read a Book Day?

National Read a Book Day is an annual awareness day that invites everyone to make time for reading - be it a novel, a biography, non-fiction, or even an audiobook. The origins of the day remain uncertain, but its growing popularity highlights a shared recognition of reading’s power to inform, inspire, and restore balance in busy lives.

Why reading matters

Reading is far more than a pastime; it is a powerful tool for personal growth, professional development, and organisational success. The benefits extend well beyond enjoyment, influencing how individuals think, feel, and engage with the world around them. For organisations, especially those in regulated sectors, the value of reading translates into practical outcomes that strengthen compliance, resilience, and culture. Below are some of the key ways that reading makes a difference:

Critical thinking and ethical awareness

Reading sharpens analysis, deepens understanding, and builds the ability to interpret complex information. For regulated industries, where staff are often required to interpret policies, standards, and legislation, these skills are essential for embedding compliance and sound decision-making.

Well-being and stress reduction

Books are proven to reduce stress and improve focus. For employees in demanding sectors, such as care homes, hospitals, or schools, even short periods of reading can restore concentration and ease mental strain, reducing the risk of errors.

Empathy, leadership, and culture

Stories help us see the world through different perspectives. For leaders, this develops empathy and emotional intelligence, which are vital for creating supportive, inclusive workplaces. A reading culture can also strengthen trust and encourage teams to think beyond their immediate roles.

How to mark National Read a Book Day in the workplace

Organisations can celebrate in practical and meaningful ways:

• Read and reflect sessions - Dedicate a short part of the day to reading and invite staff to share reflections.
• Mini workplace libraries - Stock shelves with leadership books, compliance guides, and inspirational works for staff to borrow.
• Book clubs - Choose a text, such as one on regulation, ethics, or innovation, and hold discussions to link lessons to daily practice.
• Storytelling sessions - Read excerpts from case studies, biographies, or historical events that shaped governance and reflect on their relevance.
• Inclusive formats - Encourage engagement with audiobooks, e-books, or visual texts, ensuring accessibility for all staff.

Reading and the national picture in 2025

This year’s observance aligns with broader efforts to encourage reading across the country. The National Literacy Trust and government partners have been working to reverse declining reading rates, particularly among children and young people. Campaigns have highlighted the importance of role models, access to books, and recognising that reading includes diverse formats such as audiobooks and podcasts.

For employers, these campaigns reinforce that supporting literacy and encouraging a culture of reading are not only beneficial for individuals but also contribute to national priorities around skills, wellbeing, and equality.

Why it matters for regulated organisations

Reading initiatives are not only cultural - they are strategic. By marking National Read a Book Day, organisations can:

• Strengthen compliance culture by encouraging reflection and deeper engagement with guidance and policy.
• Support wellbeing by giving staff time to relax and reset, improving focus and resilience.
• Encourage innovation by exposing teams to new ideas and approaches.
• Build empathy and leadership by nurturing an understanding of different perspectives.

The result is a workforce that is more informed, more resilient, and more prepared for the demands of regulation and inspection.

Building a culture of reading, reflection, and compliance

National Read a Book Day on 6 September 2025 is more than a cultural celebration - it is a timely opportunity for organisations to pause, reflect, and encourage learning. Reading builds critical thinking, reduces stress, and nurtures empathy - all qualities that strengthen organisational resilience and compliance. By embedding simple initiatives such as book clubs, reflective reading sessions, or workplace libraries, leaders can create environments where staff feel valued, informed, and motivated.

At The Mandatory Training Group, we believe awareness days are not just symbolic - they are practical tools for engagement, wellbeing, and governance. Through our ComplyPlus™ platform, we support organisations to turn awareness into action, combining digital compliance solutions with CPD-accredited training that empowers staff and reinforces inspection readiness.