Step into a library this World Book Day
Wednesday, February 25, 2026
Wakefield Council is encouraging children to step into a library this World Book Day (5 March) as part of the National Year of Reading 2026.
This year schools and libraries will be distributing £1 World Book Day book tokens that can be exchanged at a bookshop or participating retailer.
“When children step into a library, they discover stories and build reading confidence. Research shows only 1 in 3 children read for pleasure in their free time. Libraries help change this by making books accessible and fun.
“We’re fully supporting the National Year of Reading, which highlights the benefits of shared reading from an early age. Such as better literacy, communication, conversation and social skills and improved vocabulary. Every child should have the chance to choose and own a book. So why not get involved this World Book Day and have some fun with reading.”
Cllr Hannah Appleyard
Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Sport
Story time sessions for under-5s and their grown-ups take place throughout the week at Wakefield Council libraries and each child who attends will receive a £1 book token. People can find a story time session at https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/libraries-and-local-history/your-local-library
Library membership is free for everyone who lives, works or studies in the district. No ID is required and there are no fines for late returned books. Children are welcomed as library members from birth.
The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire more people to make reading a regular part of their lives.
Fewer children, young people and adults are reading for pleasure each year, and many say they don’t feel motivated to read.
When people read less, gaps in confidence, skills and opportunities grow, which affects education, careers and wellbeing.
The Council will be running hundreds of events throughout the year to tap into people’s passions. This will include early years offers such as story time sessions for under-5s. Shared children’s programmes such as the Summer Reading Challenge. Support for less-confident adult readers. Book clubs, reading groups and author events for those who want to expand their reading journey. As well as national, local and community celebration events in libraries, such as World Book Day, World Book Night and more.
As a result, it is hoped more people will choose to read to pursue their interests, express themselves and participate fully in life.
Libraries activity is being delivered in partnership with National Literacy Trust and The Reading Agency. Find out more at https://goallin.org.uk/
World Book Day book tokens can either be exchanged at a bookshop or participating retailer to get one of the £1 World Book Day special titles for free or used in part payment for any book in stock at its face value of £1. The tokens are valid between 12 February and 15 March.