Calling all educators, booksellers and library staff… it’s time to register,  order your POS and order your library posters for World Book Day 2026.

Your guide to taking part

We work with libraries across the UK to bring the fun of reading to children and families. Libraries open doors to lifelong reading and play an essential role in World Book Day.

A group of children engages in an art activity, with one child wearing a paper mask. The table is covered with colorful paper cutouts and art supplies, creating a lively, creative atmosphere.

World Book Day

5th March 2026

Only

days to go!

Order posters

Why Libraries Matter


When children step into a library, they discover stories and build reading confidence. Research shows only 1 in 3 children read for pleasure in their free time. Libraries help change this by making books accessible and fun.

Two children are browsing a colorful bookshelf filled with children's books. One child holds a book titled "Our Amazing Universe" while the other examines nearby titles. Both are wearing bright vests, indicating participation in an educational activity or event.

The £1/€1.50 books

Every child should have the chance to choose and own a book. Children can use their token to swap for one of the £1/€1.50 World Book Day titles or get £1/€1.50 off any book or audiobook priced £2.99/€3.99 or more.
Use this year’s titles to inspire displays, reading lists, and activities in your library.

Three schoolchildren in green blazers collaborate on an art project at a table, with one drawing intently while another assists, and the third uses a ruler. A world map and bookshelves are visible in the background.

Celebrate in your library

Celebrate World Book Day in ways that fit your community. Run story times and family events. Create themed displays around the £1/€1.50 books.
Invite local schools for visits.

Order posters before 31 October.

Two young boys sit at a table in a classroom, engaged in reading books. One boy holds a book open, while the other smiles and holds a colorful book. The background shows various school supplies and a bright classroom setting.

Reading for fun

Many children feel reading is something they must do, not something they choose. We help children let go of pressure and find joy in reading on their own terms. Libraries can help celebrate choice and freedom in reading and encourage children to explore different formats and genres.

A speaker addresses a group of children wearing bright yellow vests in a library setting, emphasizing engagement and learning. The audience is attentively listening, with a presentation screen visible in the background. Balloons and decorations add a festive atmosphere to the event.

Reaching your community

World Book Day is a chance to strengthen school and community links. Invite schools for class visits or virtual sessions. Host assemblies or author events.
Set up displays in local shops or community spaces.
Share resources with nurseries and early years settings.

Your World Book Day timeline

Use this handy guide to help you plan World Book Day 2026

A colorful book display set up at an event promoting literacy, featuring two individuals in reflective vests selecting books. Nearby, a sign highlights the impact of reading on lives, surrounded by blue and yellow balloons. The atmosphere is engaging and focused on fostering a love for books.

September: Discover the 2026 £1/€1.50 books

We launch the 2026 collection on 16 September. Get to know the books and contact local schools to offer partnerships and events.

October: Place Your Orders

Order World Book Day 2026 posters 
Contact schools and nurseries to plan visits and events 

8 December: Explore our resources

Our 2026 resources go live.

15 December 11am: Public Libraries webinar

Save the date. Registration to be confirmed

January

Add your library to the World Book Day event map.
Share resources and ideas online.
Start talking about reading for fun and get your book displays ready.

12 February – 15 March: Book tokens redemption period

Token redemption starts.
Invite families in for events; story time, crafting sessions and advice on how to help children choose their next read.

5 March: World Book Day!

Have a great day celebrating reading for fun. Thank your team and community. Share your celebrations on social media using #WorldBookDay.

15 March: Redemption ends

Complete the library evaluation survey. Share highlights from your World Book Day celebrations

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Public Librarian FAQs

What is the theme for World Book Day this year?

World Book Day doesn’t suggest a theme, instead we hope that schools and families encourage children to read for pleasure, focussing on the 6 elements of reading for pleasure.

How can libraries register for tokens?

If your library has received tokens in the past, this may have been from BookTrust’s BookStart coordinators and so it may be best to get in contact with them.

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