Celebrating the wonders of reading this World Book Day
Today is World Book Day (3 March) which is a global celebration of books and reading, marked in over 100 countries around the world.
At its heart, World Book Day is all about ensuring that children and young people have access to books in libraries, at school, at home and through the £1 titles, and that it’s a fun experience which they will take with them all the way through to adulthood.
Reading stories from a young age holds lots of benefits including helping children understand the world around them along with the chance to explore different worlds, learn about new cultures, and boost creativity – to name just a few.
As adults, reading can help lower stress levels, improve sleep patterns and offer amazing settings in which to escape in for a short while – books can welcome distraction and a form of comfort, as most of us have experienced as a result of the pandemic – escaping into a good book was something savoured and cherished and gave a respite from the uncertain world around us.
As our lives ultimately get busier, there are some ways in which books can be enjoyed by the young (and the older) in short chunks:
Audiobooks
- Audiobooks are a great way to take in a story as you’re on the go (perhaps the school-run or your work commute) or at home whilst doing chores or cooking dinner. Fiction and nonfiction audiobooks can be accessed through apps like Borrowbox (free) and paid for services like Audible.
Graphic novels, comic books and manga
- Many might not realise how popular graphic novels, comic books and manga (graphic novels originating from Japan) are with all ages. Each type of story book offers a really visual and usually colourful depiction as the action unfolds between the pages. If you’re reluctant to buy copies, local libraries can hold a wide range to enjoy.
Short stories
- If you know that you’re tight for time or prefer not to read a whole text-dense novel, short stories can be the perfect option to get a reading fix. Again, if you want to try some out, local libraries can be a really good place to start.
If you have a favourite read, pass the positivity on by recommending it to friends, family or colleagues.
Beyond these ideas, World Book Day is running a calendar of digital events and has many online resources to access – take a look and get involved.
At the end of the day, reading won’t be everyone’s cup of tea but why not help spread the word about World Book Day and be a part of the worldwide celebration that way?
Written by Catherine Morrow, Communications Manager
(Who in her spare time can be found book blogging online)