Thousands of books being given away on Metrolink today for World Book Day

Commuters travelling across Manchester’s Metrolink network could be in for a treat today as thousands of books are given away to celebrate World Book Day®.

The book giveaway — a partnership between charity World Book Day®, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM), the National Literacy Trust (NLT) and Manchester City Council — will see thousands of gifted reads placed on tram seats as service begins at the crack of dawn.

The move is to help encourage reading for pleasure as a habit amongst commuters and the children in their lives. The read, ride, and take-home literary give-away will put thousands of specially produced World Book Day® books into the hands of the city’s children and young people.

Whilst the majority of books will be for children, a selection of books for adults will also be left on seats to help further encourage a love of reading amongst all ages. Free books will also be handed out at three city libraries located near tram stops for anyone who misses picking up a book on the tram, including Central Library in St Peter’s Square, Abraham Moss Library, and the Forum Library in Wythenshawe.

Manchester has also been chosen by charity World Book Day® to host visits by two of their fourteen World Book Day® authors whose specially commissioned books are being given away to children and young people across the country to mark the day.

Authors L.D. Lapinski and A.M. Dassu will spend the morning riding Manchester’s trams with children and young people, and visiting schools to share their insight into their stories, writing, and the world of an author. 

More than 300 children from five primary schools in the city will also be visiting Central Library during the day for a special ‘meet the author’ session with award-winning author Hannah Gold, winner of the Blue Peter Book Award 2022 for her book ‘The Lost Bear’.

Councillor Adele Douglas, Deputy Executive Member for Employment, Skills, and Leisure, Manchester City Council said: “We take reading for pleasure very seriously here in Manchester and want all our children and young people to grow up loving a good read.

“Research shows that reading literally can change lives, and what better day to champion and celebrate this than on World Book Day. So, whether you’re on a tram, sitting at home, or out and about in one of our libraries, pick up a book and see where it takes you!”

Danny Vaughan, TfGM’s Head of Metrolink, said: “We’re very pleased to be supporting partners in marking World Book Day in a very unique way in Manchester, and we can’t wait to welcome pupils and authors onto Metrolink throughout the day as part of the celebrations. 

“Travelling on public transport can be a good time for customers of all ages to catch up on some reading, and I hope everyone enjoys the books that will be left for them on the trams today.”

Ride a tram and see if you can get a free book for you or child this World Book Day!