Leigh Library in Wigan hosts World Book Day event celebrating the fun of reading during National Year of Reading

The event will include workshops, live readings, £1 token and £1 book exchanges, and games designed to celebrate books and inspire children to see reading differently Children at the event will get to choose a free book with their £1 token so every child walks away with a book they have personally selected for themselves

This special free event celebrates the fun of reading and encourages children to Go All In this World Book Day on March 5, which forms part of the National Year of Reading.

Research shows that reading for fun seriously improves children’s lives and is the biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful future – even more than their family background or parents’ income [i]. However, only one in three children now say they enjoy reading, the lowest level since 2005 [ii], while just 41 per cent of 0-4 year-olds and 36 per cent of five to seven-year-olds are regularly read to [iii]. In addition, one million children don’t have a book of their own [iv], and only 40 per cent of parents say they enjoy reading to their children [v].

Through their visits to libraries, World Book Day £1/€1.50 authors and illustrators aim to help reverse this trend by encouraging more children to discover books they love and experience the fun of reading. Christopher Lloyd and Kate Olesin, co-authors of Funny FACTopia!, illustrated by Andy Smith and published by What on Earth!, and Sheena Dempsey, author/illustrator of Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest, published by Bloomsbury, will meet children and share how they discovered their love of reading, inspiring the next generation to develop a lifelong habit of reading for fun - because it seriously transforms lives.

World Book Day’s evidence-based approach shows that young people are more likely to read if they see it as a fun, entertaining and social thing to do. That’s what World Book Day is all about. It’s not about creating rules or telling children they should read because it’s good for them. Instead, they get to choose a book they want to read and take part in celebrations that inspire them to see reading differently – as something enjoyable, exciting and shared.

Libraries play a vital role in helping children develop a lifetime love of reading. This year, World Book Day is working with libraries to become community token exchange hubs distributing books to children in disadvantage and low literacy areas, helping more children discover reading for fun. Children who visit the libraries will have the chance to choose a World Book Day book for free with their £1/€1.50 World Book Day book token.

This project is made possible with support from The Julia Rausing Trust and Arts Council England.

Fiona Hickley, Executive Director of World Book Day, said: "World Book Day is a joyful and vibrant celebration of reading for fun, and it’s all about inspiring children to see reading differently. Events like this brilliant one at Leigh Library show children that reading can be exciting and something to look forward to. Libraries are at the heart of this magic, offering a welcoming, judgement-free space where children can explore stories, share recommendations, and enjoy books beyond the classroom. By taking away pressure and giving children the freedom to choose a book they want to read, we can show them that it is a fun, entertaining and social thing to do, and help them enjoy the life-changing benefits.”

Christopher Lloyd, author of Funny FACTopia! and CEO and co-founder of What on Earth!, added: “I’m a staunch champion for non-fiction as the best incentive to encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading. So I am delighted to have the chance to talk about my new World Book Day book Funny FACTopia! at Leigh Library. I hope these fascinating facts will inspire them to follow their curiosity, and that they’ll discover, as I have, that the real world is far more amazing than anything you can make up!”

Sheena Dempsey, author/illustrator of Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest, said:“I am delighted to be celebrating World Book Day with the children at Leigh Library! World Book Day is always such a joyous time of year, and seeing children discover a love of reading in real time is a privilege. Libraries are essential in sparking that love, providing the access and encouragement that children need to explore new worlds and stories. To be part of the brilliant cohort of World Book Day authors is a dream, especially during the National Year of Reading, and I can’t wait for the children to meet Pablo and Splash!”

This year, World Book Day is proud to be part of the National Year of Reading – a campaign to get more people reading, by bringing reading to where culture is. Sponsored by National Book Tokens, World Book Day distributes over 23.5 million £1/€1.50 book tokens each year through schools, nurseries, libraries, prisons and charities, ensuring children who may not otherwise own a book can have one of their own.

Until March 15 2026, children can exchange their £1//€1.50 book token for one of 16 exclusive World Book Day books or use it as a £1//€1.50 contribution towards any full-priced book or audiobook at participating retailers.

For more information, visit www.worldbookday.com.