Singing pirates, mermaids and an MP with his guide dog make for a successful World Book Day at Torquay library

A singing pirate, mermaid and an MP with his guide dog all made for a varied, enjoyable and successful World Book Day at Torquay Library.

The library was supporting the WBD charity's mission to encourage all children to discover a love of reading and to have access to books. 

It is a national initiative to encourage youngsters to read and always includes wonderful tokens for exchanging for free books. 

In Torquay it is World Book Day nearly every day but the library started early with a World Book Day extra event including two great authors for children and teens: Benjamin Dean and Kiran Millwood Hargrave who along with a host welcomed 120 pupils from the Spires College. 

Pupils were treated to author talks and a prop designing workshop to represent their favourite book recommendations. They also exchanged tokens for books - most  featured in this year's WBD book line-up by the two authors they had met and therefore were able to get their books signed by the authors.

On actual World Book Day staff dressed up as various characters, they opened the library extra all afternoon and entertained a school class from Combe Pafford along with local author Louise Dickens with her two pugdogs Stanley and Bertie. 

Torquay Library staff also took on some school assemblies on WBD including a visit to Ilsham School with author Claire Nicholas and to Warberry School with author Julian Hilton.

Once schools broke up, children went along to the library to take part in a special Pirates and Mermaids event with singing and crafts. Many also dressed up for a fancy dress competition.

A Torquay Library spokesman said: “Altogether 731 children have taken part in events for World Book Day and there's more to come. Not received a token? Ask at Torquay Library for one and don't forget we are an exchange hub for World Book Day so you can also exchange your tokens with us.

“We want more children, especially those from  disadvantaged backgrounds, to develop a life-long habit of reading for pleasure and to benefit from the improved life chances it will bring them. “

The Library spokesman said: “We were delighted that Civic Mayor Hannah Stevens launched our World Book Day and Steve Darling our Bay MP with guide dog Jennie also gave a great speech to Spires students when they came in on their special day with authors.”

Author Claire Nicholas said: “I felt a bit emotional when reading my books to such attentive and engaging children. They actually brought the story to life, by listening so well and asking great questions”

Author Julian Hilton added: “How wonderful to be in a position of privilege to reach so many children at once, to fire up their imaginations with tales of adventure, and wonder what one day their imaginations will achieve..."

Author Louise M Dickens added: “Stanley and Bertie, my pugs who are characters in my books, loved being patted by children from Combe Pafford School. Seeing the children’s excitement made my book reading all the more special, “ said Louise M Dickens