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World Book Day 2026
World Book Day 2026 gave children a £1/€1.50 token to exchange for a free book, with titles for every stage from beginning to independent reader.
- Dates
- 5 March 2026
- Where
- Bookshops, libraries and schools across the UK and Ireland
- Type
- Reading campaign
- Organiser
- World Book Day (charity)
World Book Day is a registered charity, sponsored by National Book Tokens, working in England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Its annual day of the same name encourages children to read for pleasure and to own books, and is held on the first Thursday in March.
The 2026 edition took place on Thursday 5 March. Children were given a £1/€1.50 token, redeemable from 12 February to 15 March 2026, for one of 12 titles published for the day across the UK, with further exclusive books for Ireland and Wales. The list covered beginning, early, fluent and independent readers, and accessible copies were available in braille, large print and audio.
Participating booksellers stock the £1 books and accept the tokens. Schools, libraries and bookshops typically plan readings, dressing-up days and author events around the date.
Source: World Book Day: 2026 announcements.
Organised by World Book Day (charity). Tingle Press lists it as an event worth your time and is not the organiser. Check the organiser's website for final details.