A total of 6,000 books were left on seats across the Metrolink network to promote reading and boost people’s mental health.
The giveaway, organised by Manchester City Council, coincided with Saturday’s World Mental Health Day.
Books were placed on the first trams leaving depots, while a further 2,000 were handed out on buses.
Titles included The Beano, The Gruffalo, Marcus Rashford’s You Are a Champion and novels by crime writers John Grisham and Michael Connelly.
It was part of the National Literacy Trust’s campaign encouraging people of all ages to spend 10 minutes a day reading to improve their mental wellbeing.
Councillor Shazia Butt, Manchester City Council’s executive member for libraries, said: “Good mental health is important for everyone, whatever your age.
“Escaping into the world of a book and reading, even just for 10 minutes a day, is something that research shows can make a positive difference to how people feel.”
Butt said she hoped passengers of all ages would enjoy the giveaway and have “a good read”.
Jill Connolly, senior project manager at the National Literacy Trust, said reading “can help you relax, boost your mood and connect with others”.