Celebrate World Book Day with a week of children’s events
Wed 18 Feb 2026
Children across the city are invited to join in the magic of reading with World Book Day events at Derby Libraries and Derby Market Hall.
This year’s World Book Day on 5 March carries extra significance as 2026 is the National Year of Reading, a nationwide initiative encouraging people of all ages to ‘Go All In’ – dive deeper into the hobbies and passions they already love through the power of reading, in whatever format suits them best.
Derby City Council’s libraries will be holding special Storytime sessions, crafts and book hunts throughout the first week of March. Most of the activities are aimed at pre-school children, but there are some after-school and weekend sessions.
With activities ranging from bookmark-making to costume-friendly story hours, there is plenty to inspire the next generation of readers.
Derby Market Hall is joining the fun by hosting Derby Book Festival’s Big Derby World Book Day Party on Sat 28 Feb. With over 25 stalls of books, crafts and bookish goodies plus free storytelling, performances and craft activities throughout the day, it’s the perfect day out! Dressing up as your favourite book character is, of course, encouraged.
There will also be a range of ticketed workshops bookable via Derby Book Festival website.
World Book Day is all about helping children enjoy reading in their own way – whether that’s sharing stories together, listening to audiobooks, reading comics, or dipping into non fiction.
Reading for fun is the single biggest indicator that a child will grow up to enjoy a happier and more successful life – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational backgrounds or their income.
