Manchester is helping children and young people celebrate the joy of reading this World Book Day with special author events in schools and free books handed out to shoppers today (5 March).
Schools, libraries and even supermarkets have joined the celebrations, supporting the annual event that encourages children to discover the magic of stories and develop a lifelong love of reading.
Big book giveaways across the city saw thousands of free books given out by schools, libraries, and even a supermarket.
Parents and children doing their weekly shop at Tesco in Gorton were able to add a free book into their supermarket trolley to take home with their shopping.
In the city centre hundreds of school children visited Manchester Central Library during the day to take part in special reading and discussion session with the author Ashley Thorpe – giving young readers the chance to meet one of the creative minds behind some of the books they love to read.
And in a busy World Book Day schedule author Ashley also visited a number of Manchester schools to take part in specially organised events as well.
Toddlers didn’t miss out on the fun either as local libraries joined in with the big book giveaway during Storytime sessions for under 5’s with tiny tots given a free picture book to take home and enjoy with their parents and carers.
Whilst there may only be one shared day a year around the world that is devoted to books and reading, in Manchester the focus on reading and getting books in the hands of children and young people is very much a year-round endeavour.
The last five years have seen nearly half a million free books gifted to young readers in the city since 2020 by Read Manchester – a partnership between the city council and the National Literacy Trust – with the council committed to further championing reading during 2026 as part of the National Year of Reading.
Councillor Julie Reid, Executive Member for Early Years, Children and Young People said:
“World Book Day is an exciting day for children as it is marked with a range of events across schools, libraries and even supermarkets as a way to remember how books can spark imagination and open doors to new ideas. Children get to dress up as their favourite characters and remember that books can be fun as well as informative.
“We’re always excited to shine the spotlight on stories and books and help spread the joy a good book can bring. Connecting children with authors creates unforgettable experiences which we hope will stay with them and strengthen their curiosity about books and reading – something our schools have told us happens following events like these children have been further inspired to read.”
Jill Connolly, Senior Project Manager at the National Literacy Trust said:
“We know that when children have books of their own and enjoy reading, it can boost their confidence and wellbeing and improve their future outcomes.
“World Book Day is a fantastic opportunity to put more books directly into the hands of children across Manchester, giving them the opportunity to choose a book that interests them and helping to spark a love of reading which can have a lifelong impact.
“We are looking forward to building on the work of Read Manchester in the National Year of Reading 2026, inspiring people across the city to Go All In on their passions through reading.”
Ashley Thorpe is an author and editor living in Manchester. His fantasy adventures The Boy to Beat the Gods and Spirit Warriors put a compelling spin on West African and Caribbean mythology and folklore.
More info on World Book Day here
