Bestselling authors to visit Torquay Library for World Book Day

Two bestselling authors will visit Torquay Library on Friday, February 28, to celebrate World Book Day with young readers.

Benjamin Dean, author of This Story is a Lie, and Kiran Millwood Hargrave, author of The Wolf Trials, will meet children in Torbay to share their love of reading and hopefully inspire a lifelong habit.

The free event will feature workshops, live readings, £1 book token exchanges and games to mark this annual, global celebration of books and reading.

Research by the National Literacy Trust last year revealed that only one in three children now enjoy reading — the lowest level since 2005. Meanwhile, the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development has found that reading for pleasure is more critical to a child’s future success than family background or income.

In the 2024 Parentkind National Parent Survey, one in six parents of primary school children said that they don’t have enough age-appropriate books at home, while  one in seven said they only read to their child for fun once a month or less.

Libraries can play an important role in encouraging a love of reading. 

In 2024, 1,900 UK libraries hosted World Book Day events, with 20 libraries in areas of high deprivation receiving donations of £1 books.

Over 4,000 children used a library to redeem their token.

World Book Day’s work with more than 40 UK libraries, including Torquay's, is made possible with funding from the Julia Rausing Trust, the Foyle Foundation and Arts Council England. 

Cassie Chadderton, chief executive of  World Book Day, said: “World Book Day is all about unlocking the fun of reading for all children. Through events like these brilliant ones at Torquay Library, we’re encouraging children to see reading as an exciting and enjoyable hobby. Libraries provide children with a community to explore books, share recommendations, and experience reading as a joyful, judgement-free activity beyond the classroom. 

“By letting go of pressure and embracing choice, we can help more children find the fun in reading and unlock the incredible benefits it brings.” 

Benjamin Dean said: “I couldn't be more excited to be a part of the World Book Day line-up this year. As a young reader, I found so much joy and magic in reading, something which was fuelled every year when I would receive my World Book Day token, which I would go on to redeem for a free book that I could treasure. 

“I truly believe that reading has the power to lay the foundations for empathy and kindness in all of us, but especially in the children who will be our future. Reading is crucial to widening our horizons, and encouraging children to read in any way they choose — whether that be through novels, poetry, audiobooks, graphic novels, or otherwise — is a gift that every child deserves.” 

This year, World Book Day’s Read Your Way campaign encourages readers to embrace choice and enjoyment without pressure. 

Sponsored by National Book Tokens, over 15 million £1 book tokens are distributed annually through schools, nurseries, libraries, prisons and charities — ensuring children who may not otherwise own a book can have one of their own.

Children can exchange their £1 token for one of 15 exclusive World Book Day books between now  and March 23 or use it as a £1 contribution toward any full-priced book or audiobook at participating retailers.

For more information, you can visit www.worldbookday.com