Shetland Library will celebrate World Book Day on Thursday 5th March with a programme of events to showcase the power of stories and encourage children and families rediscover the joy of reading.
The celebration comes at a crucial time. According to research in 2024 by the charity National Literacy Trust, reading for pleasure is declining across the UK – while other research widely shows that regular reading strengthens literacy, supports academic success, fosters empathy, and contributes positively to mental wellbeing.
This year’s events carry added significance as 2026 is the National Year of Reading, during which Shetland’s public and school libraries will promote reading as a lifelong skill and a source of creativity, connection and enjoyment.
World Book Day activities are designed to help children find fun in reading and to support families in making reading part of everyday routines. From picture books to imaginative stories and books that support emotional literacy, the programme highlights reading as both transformative and accessible.
Shetland’s libraries have organised a varied schedule across the isles – Highlights will include ‘Library Jenga’ at Anderson High School; a Big Book Quiz and Book Traitors in Aith; a creative writing challenge for staff at Baltasound Junior High School, judged by the School’s Reading Ambassadors; and a ‘Guess the Book Character’ silhouette activity in Whalsay. Mid Yell Junior High School will host a ‘Match the Food to the Book Character’ quiz, adding a playful twist to literary knowledge.
Several schools are also offering paired-reading sessions, where older pupils share stories with younger ones—demonstrating that reading can be social and help build confidence, connection and community. Lerwick Library will host a special Bedtime Bookbug session and provide themed activity sheets for younger visitors. These represent only a snapshot of the many events planned across the isles—and, as always, World Book Day wouldn’t be complete without plenty of readers dressing up as their favourite book characters.
Catherine Jeromson, Team Leader at Shetland Library, said: “World Book Day is the perfect moment to remind ourselves why reading matters. Whether it’s helping children build confidence, supporting wellbeing, or simply offering a moment of escape, reading enriches every part of life. We’re excited to welcome families across Shetland to celebrate with us.”
- World Book Day is a charity set up “to champion reading for fun” and the annual event promotes reading for pleasure among children and young people.
- The Shetland Library network includes the Lerwick Library, Mobile Library, three Community access Libraries in Unst, Yell & Brae and the seven school libraries at Baltasound, Mid Yell, Brae, Whalsay, Aith, Anderson High School and Sandwick. They all work collaboratively to support literacy across the islands.