Families across Barking and Dagenham are invited to celebrate World Book Day this March as the Usborne Book Fair visits libraries and community hubs throughout the borough.
Delivered in partnership with Usborne Publishing, the book fairs will offer a wide range of engaging and affordable children’s books, perfect for inspiring young readers and encouraging reading for pleasure at home.
Barking and Dagenham libraries will be handing out World Book Day Tokens (one per child) and inviting children to come and browse through a mobile book shop that will be stocked with Usborne books. Tokens can be exchanged for books, giving children and parents the chance to benefit.
Lilli-Lou Books will be available across the seven dates in the borough after school and children will also be able to take part in activities while browsing.
Councillor Saima Ashraf, Deputy Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, said: “World Book Day is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the joy of reading and spark children’s imaginations. We are proud to host the Usborne Book Fair across our libraries and community hubs, making it easier for families in Barking and Dagenham to access high-quality, affordable books. Reading for pleasure plays a vital role in children’s development, supporting their confidence, creativity and future success.”
Event dates and locations:
- Friday 6 March: Dagenham Learning Centre, 3.30pm - 5pm
- Monday 9 March: Valence Library, 3.30pm - 5pm
- Friday 13 March: Thames Library, 3.30pm - 5pm
- Monday 16 March: Marks Gate Community Hub, 3.30pm - 6pm
- Monday 23 March: Dagenham Learning Centre, 3.30pm – 6.45pm
- Wednesday 25 March: Barking Learning Centre, 3.30pm - 5pm
- Friday 27 March: Barking Learning Centre, 3.30pm - 5pm
The council continues to champion literacy and learning through its libraries and community hubs, ensuring that every child in Barking and Dagenham has the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of reading.
To find out more about world book day, visit www.worldbookday.com/
Pen to Print also host a range of reading events all year round. Visit the website for more information at pentoprint.org/