Free Books, Big Adventures: World Book Day Returns to Burton Library

Young bookworms (and those still discovering the joy of a good story) are in for a treat as Burton Library gears up for this year’s World Book Day.

Taking place on Thursday 5 March, World Book Day is a national celebration designed to promote reading for pleasure and give every child the chance to own a book. And for the third year running, Burton Library has been chosen as an official hub for the campaign’s free book giveaway.

That means local children can pop into the library and choose one of 12 specially selected titles – completely free. The selection includes stories from much-loved author Roald Dahl as well as newer favourites such as Jamie Smart’s wildly popular Bunny vs Monkey series.

Books will be available until Sunday 15 March, or while stocks last – so it’s worth getting in early.

Hayley Coles, Cabinet Member for Communities and Culture at Staffordshire County Council, said:

“We’re incredibly proud to be part of this year’s World Book Day, which opens the door to thousands of free books for families in our community.

Every child deserves the chance to discover stories that inspire their imagination and a love of reading. By bringing these books directly into Burton Library, we’re helping ensure that access to reading is never a barrier.

 

Our libraries are community hubs and we continue to invest in them. This means looking for new and exciting activities we can put on, exploring new technologies and services to make sure we meet the needs of our customers and residents.”

It’s a welcome boost for families, particularly at a time when reading for pleasure among children is at its lowest level since 2005. Nationally, World Book Day reaches around 12 million children across more than 46,000 schools and nurseries each year, with over 23 million £1 book tokens distributed annually.

Fiona Hickley, Executive Director of World Book Day, said:

“With reading for fun at its lowest level since 2005, our charity’s mission to change lives through a love of reading is more vital than ever.

 

We are grateful to National Year of Reading, World of Books and our partner publishers, and our community book distribution partners for their generous support to help bring books to children across the country.

 

We look forward to seeing more children enjoy their reading adventures this World Book Day.”

 

Alongside the free books, World Book Day activities will also be running in Staffordshire libraries, and local bookshops will be exchanging the £1 vouchers children receive through their schools.

For Burton families, it’s another reminder that our library is more than just shelves and silence – it’s a lively, welcoming space at the heart of the community.

If you’ve got a budding reader at home (or simply an excuse to revisit your own childhood favourites), Burton Library might just be the best stop you make this March.