World Book Night
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Thursday 23rd April
In the UK, 1 in 6 (8.5 million) adults struggle to read. This limits life choices. Reading for pleasure and empowerment makes us more aware and informed. It helps us grow our imaginations. It makes us more empathetic and understanding of other people and cultures. It supports our health and well-being. It increases our ability to learn new skills. It helps us to communicate our ideas more effectively. It opens doors and brings joy.
World Book Night brings people from all backgrounds together for one reason – to inspire others to read more. Organizations and individuals hold events up and down the country to celebrate the difference that reading makes to our lives, from book-themed parties at home to book swaps in offices.
World Book Night was first celebrated in the UK and Ireland in 2011 on 5 March. In 2012, it was moved to 23 April, the UNESCO International Day of the Book and, probably, the birth and death date of William Shakespeare.
How to get involved:
1. Visit and join your local library or encourage a friend or colleague to do so. Find out what is on at your library on or around World Book Night and take part!
2. Read a book during the Reading Hour at 7-8 pm on 23 April! Share what you’re reading on social media using #ReadingHour and #WorldBookNight to join the online celebration.
3. Share books with someone else. Talk to friends about the books you would recommend, lend books to each other, or gift them.
4. Hold a party, quiz night, or book club to bring your friends together and celebrate reading.
5. Host a pre-loved book swap night with your colleagues or friends. It’s a nice idea to add a post-it note with a brief description of what the new reader can expect!
Find out more here
World Book Night was created 29th March 2026
