CHILDREN across Somerset are being encouraged to join their local library as today (Thursday, March 5) marks World Book Day.

The aim of the day is to encourage children to explore the pleasure of books and reading by providing them with the opportunity to have a book of their own, and encouraging them to join the library where they can borrow books for free.

Schoolchildren will receive a World Book Day £1 book token, which can be exchanged for one of the specially published books celebrating the occasion.

Cllr David Hall, Somerset County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for libraries, said: “Somerset libraries work hard to get budding readers enthusiastic about reading all year around.

“World Book Day provides a great opportunity to celebrate reading and books and get all children involved by joining their local library.

“Children who use libraries are twice as likely to be above average readers.”

Many schools are taking pupils to their local library to give them a flavour of what is on offer and getting the children signed up so that they can develop a love of reading.