world book day — GB news

Celebrating Reading on World Book Day

“World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to celebrate reading at your local library,” said Councillor Ian Cresswell, highlighting the importance of community engagement in promoting literacy.

Scheduled for March 5, 2026, World Book Day will see Radio 2 presenters dressing up as their favourite literary heroes, adding a festive spirit to the occasion. This annual event aims to foster a love for reading among children and young people.

In a significant initiative, the Premier League will distribute over 120,000 free books to children across England and Wales. This effort is part of their commitment to inspire a lifelong love of reading, as emphasized by Jim Sells, who stated, “Having the opportunity to choose a book of their own can inspire a lifelong love of reading.” Since 2017, the Premier League Primary Stars programme has gifted more than 460,000 free books to young readers.

Local libraries are also gearing up for World Book Day with a variety of themed activities. Worcestershire County Council’s libraries will host events designed to engage children and families in the joy of reading.

St John’s Library will serve as an official voucher exchange hub for World Book Day, allowing children to redeem their vouchers for books. Additionally, Malvern Library is set to host a ‘Meet the Author’ event with Daisy Merle on March 4, providing an opportunity for young readers to interact with a published author.

On March 5, Redditch & Woodrow Libraries will run a free Storytime and craft session, further encouraging creativity and engagement with literature among children.

World Book Day continues to be a vital charity that champions reading for fun, making a lasting impact on communities across the UK. The day not only celebrates books but also emphasizes the importance of literacy in shaping young minds.

As preparations for World Book Day 2026 unfold, various organizations and libraries are expected to announce additional events and activities, fostering an even greater celebration of reading.