Leigh Library is set to host a bestselling author and illustrator in a free event for all the family for this year's World Book Day.
The library, on Leigh Road, will see the arrival of award winning author, Christopher Lloyd, and illustrator, Sheena Dempsey on Wednesday, March 4.
The free event hopes to encourage children to engage further in reading for this year's annual event, through meeting and speaking with the people who make the World Book Day £1 books.
World Book Day charity research shows that reading for fun significantly improves children's mood and wellbeing, despite only one in three children saying they enjoy reading.
The charity also found that one million children do not have a book of their own.
Through their visit, the authors and illustrator are aiming to reverse these trends by helping children discover new stories in their local library.
Christopher Lloyd who co-wrote Funny FACTopia! and Sheena Dempsey, author and illustrator of Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest, will speak to children about how they discovered their love of reading, in a bid to engage with children in Leigh.
Fiona Hickley, Executive Director of World Book Day said: "World Book Day is a joyful and vibrant celebration of reading for fun, and it’s all about inspiring children to see reading differently.
"Events like this brilliant one at Leigh Library show children that reading can be exciting and something to look forward to.
"Libraries are at the heart of this magic, offering a welcoming, judgement-free space where children can explore stories, share recommendations, and enjoy books beyond the classroom.
"By taking away pressure and giving children the freedom to choose a book they want to read, we can show them that it is a fun, entertaining and social thing to do, and help them enjoy the life-changing benefits.”
Christopher Lloyd, author of Funny FACTopia!, added: "I’m a staunch champion for non-fiction as the best incentive to encourage children to develop a lifelong love of reading. So I am delighted to have the chance to talk about my new World Book Day book Funny FACTopia! at Leigh Library.
"I hope these fascinating facts will inspire them to follow their curiosity, and that they’ll discover, as I have, that the real world is far more amazing than anything you can make up!"
Sheena Dempsey, author/illustrator of Pablo and Splash: The Castle Quest, said: "I am delighted to be celebrating World Book Day with the children at Leigh Library!
"World Book Day is always such a joyous time of year, and seeing children discover a love of reading in real time is a privilege.
"Libraries are essential in sparking that love, providing the access and encouragement that children need to explore new worlds and stories.
"To be part of the brilliant cohort of World Book Day authors is a dream, especially during the National Year of Reading, and I can’t wait for the children to meet Pablo and Splash!"
For more information, visit www.worldbookday.com.
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