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London Libraries creates reading app inspired by 'Couch to 5k'
The London Libraries network has developed a “Couch to 5k”-style reading app, “ReadOn”, including a library map and goal-building features to incentivise reading.
Developed by librarians from London Libraries – the city’s network of the national library charity Libraries Connected – “ReadOn” uses curated recommendations, reading challenges, interactive quizzes and personalised reading plans to gradually make reading a regular part of users’ lives.
Organisers said: “Aimed at Londoners who would like to read more, ’ReadOn’ is a digital gateway to a universe of books, crafted with care by the very librarians who bring London’s public libraries to life. It’s been designed to inspire, challenge and support readers, not only to increase the number of books they read, but to widen the range of genres, authors and styles they enjoy.”
The integrated map feature means users can easily find their nearest London library to discover new books and authors, attend literary events and “connect with fellow book lovers”.
Organisers added: “The app has been launched just in time for the summer holidays, when people tend to read more to relax… The app can turn the traditional beach read into a year-round habit, with all the benefits that brings: research has shown that reading for pleasure can reduce feelings of stress and depression, increase self-esteem and improve our ability to cope with difficult situations. Adults who read for just 30 minutes a week are 20% more likely to report greater life satisfaction.”
Rachel Levy, head of Barbican and Community Libraries, led the project. She said: "We know that many people really want to read more, but feel they don’t have the time or get distracted. ’ReadOn’ is there to hold your hand as you gradually increase the number and range of books that you read with realistic, achievable goals.
"Whether you’re an avid reader who needs a little motivation to get through that to-be-read pile, or someone who hasn’t picked up a book in years, we want ’Read On’ to revive the joy of reading in the digital age."
The app was funded by the LibraryOn grants programme, supported by Arts Council England and facilitated by the British Library. The LibraryOn 2023 grants fund enabled library services to boost their digital presence and enhance their discoverability for new and existing users.
Tina Hill, head of delivery at LibraryOn, said: "The LibraryOn 2023 grants programme supported digital projects in libraries that help users to discover what their local library offers more easily. ’ReadOn’ does this brilliantly through thought-provoking challenges and quizzes, and boosts the digital capability of London libraries and creates an innovative way for new and existing users to engage with their library online."
"ReadOn" was developed by London-based app company Novellic. Its self-titled flagship book club app also powers the book recommendations in the "Read On" app.
Candide Kirk, founder of Novellic, said: "We could immediately spot how the unique features that the librarians had identified would complement existing reader tools, and how our experience building bookish apps meant we could deliver a quality reader experience to achieve that vision.
"We are particularly proud to be powering the book recommendations on ’ReadOn’ directly from our flagship Novellic app, where years of expertise and reader input have built up a matching system that helps even the most reluctant reader discover their preferred genres and book titles."
