Devon libraries to hand out 300 free books for World Book Night
Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Readers across Devon will have the chance to pick up a free novel later this month as libraries across the county mark World Book Night with a major giveaway.
A total of 300 copies of The Last Bench by Carmel Harrington will be handed out as part of the nationwide celebration of reading, organised by The Reading Agency.
The initiative will see participating libraries distribute books during regular activities and events, while some branches are also planning to take copies out into the wider community.
Sophie Crofts, reading development manager at Libraries Unlimited, said the organisation was eager to help more people reconnect with reading.
“We are really excited to invite people to find joy in the act of reading this World Book Night,” she said.
“Especially during the National Year of Reading.
“Stories can bring people so much happiness and understanding; they offer everything from introspection to adventure.
“Libraries are trying to remove the barriers to access stories: we offer books for free, eAudiobooks and eBooks for download through BorrowBox, and volunteers deliver books to those unable to access the library due to health, mobility or caring responsibilities through the Home Library Service.”
Libraries taking part in the giveaway are dotted throughout Devon, and it is suggested that you check with your nearest library to find out if they are going to be involved.
World Book Night is designed to encourage adults to rediscover reading while also highlighting the benefits it can bring to wellbeing. Research from the University of Sussex has suggested reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68 per cent.
Despite that, a recent YouGov poll found that 40 per cent of people in Britain had not read a single book in the past year.
This year’s “Go All In” theme celebrates every type of reading, from graphic novels and magazines to audiobooks and eBooks.
People are also being encouraged to take part in the #ReadingHour campaign between 7.00pm and 8.00pm on 23rd April by reading, sharing a recommendation or posting online using the hashtag #WorldBookNight.
The celebration also coincides with the 10th anniversary of Libraries Unlimited taking over the management of Devon’s public library service on 23rd April 2016.
( Photo: Pixabay Library 📸 )