Extensive research demonstrates that early exposure to reading significantly enhances a child’s academic and life outcomes. Moreover, reading for pleasure can help bridge socio-economic disparities. In response to this, the Seychelles Association of Retired Education Professionals (SAREP) launched Sesel Lir Avek Mwan (SLAM), a community-based literacy support programme. As part of this initiative, a baseline study was conducted to explore the extent to which a culture of reading for pleasure is embedded in Seychellois households. Between June 2023 and September 2024, seventeen introductory SLAM workshops were held across Mahé, targeting parents and caregivers. Participants were invited to complete a Home Literacy Survey (HLS); 167 out of 224 attendees responded. While the non-random sample and limited size constrain generalizability, the findings offer valuable insight into home literacy practices in Seychelles. Results revealed that daily shared reading with young children is uncommon. Less than 20% of respondents read to their children daily, and over 70% reported reading for less than 30 minutes per week. Older and more educated parents were somewhat more likely to engage in reading yet, across the board, reading was often perceived as a school-preparation task rather than a pleasurable activity. This utilitarian view may deter both parents and children from enjoying reading, especially when it becomes another duty in an already demanding routine – often one disproportionately shouldered by mothers. The study highlights the need to shift perceptions of reading from obligation to enjoyment, encourage broader household involvement (including fathers), and improve access to culturally-relevant books, particularly in Kreol Seselwa. Furthermore, while printed books remain limited, digital resources offer potential – provided they are of high quality and used with adult interaction. Promoting reading for pleasure through media, daycare facilities, and community institutions is essential to fostering a more active reading culture in Seychelles.