April 23rd is UNESCO’s International Day of the Book and for the last five years, World Book Night, the annual celebration of reading and books. Across the country passionate volunteers give hundreds of thousands of books away in their communities. The aim is to reach the 35% of the adult population who don’t read for pleasure, sharing the magic of reading and inspiring them to continue with it. Since its inauguration the event has grown and flourished, and in 2014 12,500 copies of 20 different books, were given away. 9,179 Individual givers gave away 18 books each, whilst almost 80,000 books were given away in Institutions, including prisons, schools and colleges, libraries and homeless groups. A survey revealed that nearly all volunteers and recipients from last year (98%) reported enjoying the experience and the books, and encouragingly reported that 90% of Individual givers and 96% of Institutional givers felt that they were able to reach people who don’t regularly read for pleasure or own books. Check out events near you, and celebrate books.
