Celebrate World Book Day at the library

Plymouth libraries are celebrating World Book Day on Thursday 5 March with fancy dress rhymetimes for little ones and special visits for schools.

Now in its 18th year, the annual event encourages children to explore the world of books and reading and provides them with a book of their own. It is marked in more than 100 countries around the globe.

Libraries across the city will be welcoming children on school visits, including two readings at the Central Library by local author Marie Robinson, who will share her first picture book for children aged four to seven, ‘Buzzzzby the Cross Eyed Bee’.

Staff will be visiting assemblies to promote library membership and many will be dressing up as favourite children’s book characters to highlight the joy of reading to children and support Book Aid International.

Babies, toddlers and parents are also invited to dress as nursery rhyme and book characters for Thursday afternoon rhymetimes at Central, Plympton, Plymstock and St Budeaux libraries.

St Budeaux Library: 10am
Central Library: 2pm
Plympton Library: 2pm
Plymstock Library: 2.15pm

Parents will also be able to collect a voucher that they can exchange for one of 10 specially published £1 World Book Day books for the under-fives, between 2 and 29 March.

Deputy Council Leader Peter Smith said: “Good reading starts early and sharing books helps children develop their language skills and reading levels. Our events are a fun way to get youngsters’ imaginations fired up and encourage them to become avid readers.”

Emma Sherriff, Development Manager for Literacy said: “We can’t wait to have fun and get budding bookworms buzzing about World Book Day. It’s the perfect opportunity to visit your library with your child, join a rhymetime and sing along with our favourite nursery rhymes.”

For more information visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/libraries or call 305900. Further details about World Book Day can be found at www.worldbookday.com.