Residents in Calderdale have the opportunity to pick up a free book as part of the celebrations for World Book Night.
World Book Night is now in its fifth year, and is an annual celebration of reading and books, with events taking place on or around Thursday 23 April, the International Day of the Book. It is run by the charity Reading Agency, as part of its work to inspire people to take up reading and celebrate the difference that reading makes to lives.
As part of the celebrations, sets of special, World Book Night editions of selected titles are given away free to individuals and institutions who apply to hand out books in their communities. You can also be part of the event by giving away a book you already own; there is still time register on the website to join thousands of other volunteers.
Just after World Book Night, on Saturday 25 April, Todmorden Library in partnership with Todmorden Food Drop will host a special event where people can get hold of one of the free World Book Night titles. From 10am until 2pm anyone who wouldn’t usually pick up a book is welcome to come and get a free copy of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce, Dead Man Talking by Roddy Doyle or Escape from Camp 14 by Blaine Harden. The books are given away on a first come first served basis, so arrive early to avoid disappointment.
Last year, 180 books were given away, almost all to Food Drop Users and lots of new visitors were welcomed to the library at the event.
Calderdale Council’s Head of Neighbourhoods, Andrew Pitts, said:
“World Book Night offers the opportunity for book lovers to share their love of reading with those who may not read regularly.
“It’s great that Calderdale libraries are getting involved with celebrations. In addition to the great giveaway event in Todmorden, ten other Calderdale libraries are registered as pick up points, where people who have already registered for a box of World Book Night books can pick up their books and give them away.
“I know the events have been a great success in previous years, so I hope that people continue to go along to World Book Night events and discover the joy of reading and their local library.”