Exciting Event to Ignite Children's Passion for Reading in Hull

A free event aimed at fostering a love for reading among children is set to take place at Hull’s East Park Library on Thursday, February 26. This initiative, featuring bestselling authors Christopher Lloyd and Serena Patel, seeks to inspire the next generation of readers.

World Book Day Celebration

The event is perfectly timed to encourage children to "Go All In" for World Book Day in March. During the celebration, young attendees can participate in live readings, workshops, games, and an exciting £1 token and book exchange. Every child will leave with a book of their choice, reinforcing the joy of personal selection and ownership in reading.

Addressing the Decline in Reading Enjoyment

Despite libraries playing a crucial role in promoting reading, recent statistics reveal a worrying trend; only one in three children express enjoyment in reading, marking the lowest level recorded since 2005. This initiative aims to counter that decline by making reading a more engaging and appealing activity.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Authors Lloyd and Patel, both celebrated figures in children’s literature, are dedicated to instilling a love of reading. Lloyd, co-author of "Funny FACTopia!", emphasizes the importance of nonfiction in nurturing curiosity, while Patel treasures the role libraries played in her childhood, viewing them as vital gateways to the world.

A Community Effort for Change

Fiona Hickley, executive director of World Book Day, highlights the essential role libraries play in making reading accessible and enjoyable. The event will serve not only as a celebration of literature but also as a crucial step towards reversing the trend of declining reading enjoyment among children. By providing a welcoming environment and removing pressures associated with reading, the initiative aims to transform reading into a fun and social experience.

This year’s World Book Day, taking place on March 5, is also aligned with the National Year of Reading, which aims to promote literacy and bring books to areas where they are most needed. For those interested in learning more about the event, additional information is available at worldbookday.com.