Celebrate World Book Day with Libraries NI

This World Book Day, Libraries NI is calling on everyone to rediscover the magic of reading by becoming a member of their local library. With an incredible range of books tailored for all ages, including an extensive range for children, libraries across Northern Ireland are the perfect places to inspire a lifelong love of reading.

This year’s theme, Read Your Way, celebrates the idea that reading looks different for every child—and that’s okay! Some love turning pages, others prefer eBooks, or magazines and many engage best with eAudiobooks. However a child reads, every story counts, and Libraries NI offers books in all formats to support every reader’s journey.

Photo: Young readers (Left – Right) Cara, Alex and Ellie are getting ready to celebrate this year’s World Book Day on Thursday 6 March 2025

From the unforgettable tales of Julia Donaldson to the magical adventures of J.K. Rowling and the laugh-out-loud stories of David Walliams, there’s a title to captivate every young reader. Alongside these, you’ll find a wide selection of picture books, early readers, and educational resources designed to spark children’s curiosity and support their development.

But libraries aren’t just for children. With thousands of books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, eMagazines and eNewspapers, a library card is a cost-effective way to enjoy all the latest titles without spending a penny. If you love gripping crime thrillers, light-hearted chick lit, or thought-provoking non-fiction, your local library has something to suit every taste and interest.

Beyond books, libraries across Northern Ireland host a variety of events, including storytelling sessions, reading groups, and creative workshops, making them vibrant hubs for community engagement and continuous learning.

Sharing enthusiasm for the role libraries play in our communities, Libraries NI Chief Executive Dr Jim O’Hagan commented:

“Libraries are here for everyone, and World Book Day is an opportunity to celebrate the value they bring. For children, having access to a wide range of books in different formats can open doors to new worlds and ideas. For families, it’s a way to save money while enjoying great stories in print or audio. And for sustainability, it is an environmentally friendly way to read.

“Our libraries are here to inspire, connect, and support everyone, so this World Book Day, join the thousands of people across Northern Ireland who are already experiencing the benefits of library membership. With FREE access to books, eBooks, eAudiobooks, events, and so much more, there’s no better time to get started.”

There are 98 libraries and multiple mobile stops across Northern Ireland, and a Libraries NI membership card can be used at all of them. Anyone who lives, works, or studies in Northern Ireland can join. Membership is FREE and you can join online or in any public library. Children under 16 need a parental signature, and babies can join the day they are born!

For information on where your nearest library is located or to find out all that is going on, visit our events section.

Some fun World Book Day resources are available here.