World Book Day comes to Shrewsbury Library

Shrewsbury Library is holding a special event for schools and nurseries on Thursday 1 March 2012 to celebrate this year’s World Book Day, highlighting the joys of reading to local children. 

The library is one of thousands across the UK and Ireland marking the occasion by showing how magical sharing stories can be. 

Local schoolpupils have been invited to watch live showings of “The Biggest Book Show on Earth”.  Top children’s authors and illustrators will be taking part in this online event, streamed direct to libraries across the UK.  Nationwide, thousands of children will have an opportunity to see and hear their favourite authors. 

Nursery-age children can see “Gruffalo” author Julia Donaldson and a host of other well-known picture book illustrators, whilst primary-age children have an hour-long show featuring favourite writers Jacqueline Wilson and Nick Sharratt, Cressida Cowell, Jeremy Strong, Andy Stanton, Eoin Colfer and many more. 

Councillor Steve Charmely, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said:

“We can’t wait to get budding readers buzzing about World Book Day.  Children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above-average readers, and our event is a fun way to encourage local children to become avid readers.” 

Andrew Bannerman, Shropshire Councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, said:

“Stories are how we recognise who we are.  Even in this visual, electronic age, reading is more important than any other skill.  And like all learning, it should be fun.  We are lucky to have in Shropshire an imaginative and energetic library service, keen to engage with young people and join in the celebration of World Book Day.” 

World Book Day aims to help children explore the pleasure of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own, and encouraging them to join the library.