World Book Day Brings Author and Illustrator to Leigh Library in Wigan
World Book Day, the charity dedicated to promoting reading for pleasure, is set to host a special free event at Leigh Library in Wigan next month. The event will feature bestselling author Christopher Lloyd and award-winning illustrator Sheena Dempsey, aiming to inspire children to embrace the fun of reading as part of the National Year of Reading campaign.
Addressing the Decline in Reading for Pleasure
Recent research highlights a concerning trend in children's reading habits. Only one in three children now report enjoying reading, marking the lowest level since 2005. Additionally, just 41% of children aged 0-4 and 36% of those aged 5-7 are regularly read to, while an estimated one million children in the UK do not own a single book. Furthermore, only 40% of parents say they enjoy reading to their children.
World Book Day's evidence-based approach seeks to reverse this decline by showing young people that reading can be a fun, entertaining, and social activity. The charity emphasizes choice and enjoyment over obligation, allowing children to select books they genuinely want to read and participate in celebrations that reframe reading as an exciting shared experience.
Featured Authors and Their Mission
Christopher Lloyd, co-author of Funny FACTopia! and CEO of What on Earth!, is a strong advocate for non-fiction as a gateway to lifelong reading. Sheena Dempsey, author and illustrator of Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest, brings her creative talents to the event. Both will share their personal journeys into reading, hoping to spark curiosity and a love for books among the next generation.
Christopher Lloyd stated: "I'm a staunch champion for non-fiction as the best incentive to encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading. 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 added: "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."
The Vital Role of Libraries
Libraries are at the heart of World Book Day's efforts, serving as community hubs where children can explore stories in a welcoming, judgment-free environment. This year, libraries are also acting as token exchange centers, distributing books to children in disadvantaged and low-literacy areas. Children visiting libraries can use their £1/€1.50 World Book Day book tokens to choose a free book, helping to ensure more young readers have access to literature.
Fiona Hickley, executive director of World Book Day, commented: "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. 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."
Support and National Campaign
This initiative is supported by The Julia Rausing Trust and Arts Council England. World Book Day, sponsored by National Book Tokens, distributes over 23.5 million £1/€1.50 book tokens annually through schools, nurseries, libraries, prisons, and charities. From February 12 to March 15, children can exchange their tokens for one of 16 exclusive World Book Day books or use them as a contribution toward any full-priced book or audiobook at participating retailers.
As part of the National Year of Reading, World Book Day aims to bring reading into cultural spaces, fostering a nationwide love for books. The event at Leigh Library exemplifies this mission, offering a unique opportunity for children in Wigan to engage with acclaimed authors and illustrators, potentially transforming their reading habits and futures.
