What we do

 

What is World Book Night?

Why is World Book Night important?

Testimonials

 

"The more I read the more I fought against the assumption that literature is for the minority – of a particular education or class. Books were my birthright too." 
Jeanette Winterson, Why be happy when you could be normal?

"You don't have to burn books to destroy a culture. Just get people to stop reading them." 
Ray Bradbury, Fahrenheit 451
 

World Book Night is a celebration of books and reading.

We are passionate about books, bookshops and libraries but above all else about encouraging everyone to read.

We recruit passionate volunteers to help us spread a love of reading in communities across the country.

Each one of 20,000 volunteers gives 20 copies of one of 20 books which WBN has hand-picked and specially produced to people who don't regularly read to encourage them to do so. Volunteer givers collect the specially printed copies of their books from their local bookshop or library. WBN is free to participate in for all.

 

 

On World Book Night

I love this idea. There’s something primeval about it: to think of my story being passed on from one person to another makes me feel a connection with the earliest storytellers in their caves, or crouching around a fire on the dark savannah. The relationship between the storyteller, the story, and the audience is an ancient one that long predates things like bestseller lists and royalty statements, or even money itself. It’s really a form of enchantment. The gift idea is just as old and just as potent, and to see them combined in this brilliant and simple way is a delight. I’m very privileged to be part of it.

Philip Pullman

In your country

You are currently viewing the UK site. Change to...

US

Want to see World Book Night in your country?

Books

The 2013 WBN Books

The 2012 WBN Books

The 2011 WBN Books

Where to get World Book Night books

The selection process

You are here: Home About Us What we do