Take part in Adur and Worthing's 2021 reading challenge

The aim of the challenge is to read twelve books across the year, with a different theme attached to each month.

The themes have been put together by the West Sussex County Council Library Service and invites challengers to step outside their comfort zones by reading genres that they may not have tried before.

January's theme is 'A book that has been adapted into a film' while February's theme is 'A collection of short stories'.

Duncan Crow, cabinet member for Fire and Rescue and Communities, said: “The reading challenge is not only an excellent New Year’s resolution to help transport you to different times, places and dimensions; reading for pleasure is also a fantastic way to improve your mental wellbeing, as it is shown to reduce the symptoms of depression and anxiety.

“With this year being stressful for all of us, the Adur and Worthing 2021 reading challenge could be just what the doctor ordered and allows anyone who is participating to really expand their literary mindset and get into a more relaxed, calm and happier mental state.”

Residents of all ages and reading abilities can take part and they can join as an individual, a group or a family.

The challenge is taking place online and at Broadwater, Durrington, Findon Valley, Goring, Lancing, Shoreham, Southwick and Worthing libraries.

To join the challenge or view the full list of challenges, go to www.westsussex.gov.uk/readingchallenge21

Participants are also invited to join the challenge Facebook group by visiting www.facebook.com/groups/worthingadurbooks, where they can share their latest reads, pick up ideas for great new books and chat with local people about their love of reading.

The challenges

January Challenge - A book that has been adapted into a film

February Challenge - A collection of short stories

March Challenge - A book set in another country

April Challenge - A book with a link to the seaside

May Challenge - A non-fiction book

June Challenge - A children’s classic

July Challenge - A debut novel

August Challenge - A book based on real people or events

September Challenge - A banned book

October Challenge - A book recommended by a friend or librarian

November Challenge - A prize-winning book

December Challenge - A book published this century

WILDCARD - Substitute any month of the challenge with any book from your to-read list.