Visitors to Burton Library will be able to get their hands on free books for this year’s World Book Day celebrations.
World Book Day, taking place on Thursday 5 March, aims to promote the joy of reading and give every child and young person the chance to own a book.
This is the third year that Burton Library has been chosen to be a hub for the campaign and free book giveaway. Children can choose from 12 titles, including those by beloved author Roald Dahl and newer stories such as Jamie Smart’s popular Bunny vs Monkey series. Books are available up until Sunday 15 March or while stocks last.
Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this year’s World Book Day, which opens the door to thousands of free books for families in our community.
“Every child deserves the chance to discover stories that inspire their imagination and a love of reading. By bringing these books directly into Burton Library, we’re helping ensure that access to reading is never a barrier.
“Our libraries are community hubs and we continue to invest in them. This means looking for new and exciting activities we can put on, exploring new technologies and services to make sure we meet the needs of our customers and residents.”
An enormous and well-loved event in the British calendar, World Book Day reaches 12 million children in over 46,000 schools and nurseries. Over 23 million £1 book tokens are given out across the country every year.
Fiona Hickley, Executive Director of World Book Day, said:
“With reading for fun at its lowest level since 2005, our charity’s mission to change lives through a love of reading is more vital than ever.
“We are grateful to National Year of Reading, World of Books and our partner publishers, and our community book distribution partners for their generous support to help bring books to children across the country.
“We look forward to seeing more children enjoy their reading adventures this World Book Day.”
World Book Day-related activities will be running in Staffordshire libraries and bookshops will be exchanging the books for the vouchers that children get through schools.
People can learn more about World Book Day on the World Book Day website.
More information about Staffordshire’s libraries can be found on the county council website.
