Creative Folkestone Launches Book Exchange World Record Attempt
Folkestone is a Library will launch with a world record attempt on Sunny Sands beach
On Saturday 28 March 2026, ‘Folkestone is a Library’ will launch with a world record attempt on Sunny Sands beach, Folkestone.
Arts charity Creative Folkestone will aim to break the world record for the largest ever community book exchange within one hour.
The current world record for the most participants in a book exchange in one hour is 591 participants. The official Guinness World Record was set during Sharqiah Bookfair 2023 in Saudi Arabia. Creative Folkestone are now aiming to beat that record as they launch their latest inspiring project.
The record attempt is part of Folkestone is a Library, a three-year Arts Council England Place Partnership project led by Creative Folkestone in partnership with Kent County Council, Folkestone & Hythe District Council, Turner Schools, The Alliance of Folkestone Residents Associations and Sunflower House, to reimagine what a library can be.
Through inspiring workshops, creative projects and community events, Folkestone is a Library aims to make the whole town a place to read, write and share stories.
Sophie Haydock, Curator: Books, Ideas & Community, Creative Folkestone, said: “This isn’t just about breaking a record, it’s about coming together to show that Folkestone itself is a living library filled with stories, connection and imagination.”
Folkestone is a Library is a Place Partnership Programme funded by Arts Council England with additional support from Holiday Extras. The project has been developed in partnership with Kent County Council, Folkestone and Hythe District Council, Turner Schools, The Alliance of Folkestone Residents Associations and Sunflower House.
Creative Folkestone has a proven track record of producing large scale events that inspire communities and bring people together through art and creativity. In 2018, Creative Folkestone worked with film director Danny Boyle to present a large-scale public installation on Sunny Sands to mark the centenary of Armistice Day. More recently, Folkestone Triennial brought hundreds of thousands of visitors to the town for the contemporary art festival that transformed Folkestone into an exhibition for all to enjoy.
Folkestone is a Library is a further commitment to art, creativity and learning from Creative Folkestone that sits alongside their annual book festival (November 12-22).
DETAILS
About the Book Swap World Record Attempt Event
Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
Location: Sunny Sands, Folkestone
Time: Arrive from 12.30pm for the 2-3pm world record attempt
How it works:
Register in advance to be counted in the official record (it’s easy and takes jless than a minute to register. Alternatively, it can be done on the day at the beach, time permitting)
Bring one book that you’d love to pass on (it can be pre-loved, hardback or paperback, and must be suitable for someone else in the community to read)
Swap it for another during the one-hour world record attempt, and walk away with a brand-new story to treasure
