World Book Day 2011

The History:
World Book Day was designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, and is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. The origins of the day we now celebrate in the UK and Ireland come from Catalonia, where roses and books were given as gifts to loved ones on St. George’s Day – a tradition started over 90 years ago.

The Aims:
A main aim of World Book Day in the UK and Ireland is to encourage children to explore the pleasures of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own.

What Happens:
Each year the Booksellers Association and Book Tokens Ltd fund the printing of a £1 book voucher for every school child and participating booksellers fund the cost of the book voucher redemption. The voucher can be taken to all participating booksellers and be exchanged for one of the special World Book day books produced by participating publishers, or the bookseller will accept the voucher as part payment for a book of the child’s choice.

When it Happens:
World Book Day 2011 in the UK and Ireland will take place on Thursday 3rd March and the vouchers will be valid from Monday 28th February until Sunday 27th March.

Special book related events take place throughout the month.The Steyning Bookshop is delighted to be taking part in World Book Day, and will be stocking the £1 books and accepting the £1 vouchers.

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