READERS from South Gloucestershire are giving away books for World Book Night.
On Wednesday April 23, book givers will hand out free books in their communities to people who, for whatever reason, don’t read for pleasure or own books.
The Reading Agency has launched this innovative project, Community Book Giving, to give everyone an equal chance to become a reader.
A list of twenty books has been suggested by the Reading Agency to book givers, although they can give any book of their choice. The books can be new, second-hand, old, from their own bookcase. It is all about encouraging someone into a love of reading. That someone could be a friend, a stranger, a person in their community. Again, that is their choice.
In the UK, 35% of people do not regularly read, despite reading for pleasure being a globally recognised indicator in a huge range of social issues from poverty to mental health.
World Book Night is an annual celebration of reading and sees passionate volunteers gift books to their communities.
Author of ‘The Lamplighter', Jackie Kay, said: “World Book night strips everything away to the bare essential: the good hearted feeling of a book in your hand, a companion by your side, the best of friends on your road through life. A good book nourishes the soul and gladdens the heart."
There are over 60 book givers taking part in South Gloucestershire so far.
Libraries in South Gloucestershire are holding a range of events, including a theatrical interactive bingo night at Yate Library from 7.30pm to 9.30pm on Wednesday April 23, for £3. Staff from Thornbury Library will also be handing out free copies of World Book Night titles at a mystery location in Thornbury on the morning of April 23.
Lee Child, author of the Jack Reacher novels, said: “Reading is still alive – in better health than ever, actually – and World Book Night proves it.”
Special World Book Night stickers and bookplates are available from libraries and can be downloaded online, so that the books are officially branded as part of World Book Night.
If you want to become a book giver, you can do so at www.worldbooknight.org
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