World Book Night

Tonight is World Book Night, a nationwide celebration of the reading, recommending and giving of books. The recently revamped Lewisham Library will be hosting an after-hours book party, with special guests including Blake Morrison, Sarah Mussi, Nii Ayikwei Parkes and Lydia Syson, along with Sandra Agard. The theme for the night is ‘you should read…’ with each of these speakers telling of writing they love. Other readers are also invited to bring along a 'used' book to gift and to tell people about it.

The events starts at 8pm and is free to attend - but booking is essential as priority will be given to World Book Night gifters. Bookings can be made in person at the library, by calling 020 8314 8430 or via libraries@lewisham.gov.uk.

There's also an event at New Cross Learning (previously known as New Cross Library). They say: 'This coming April 23 is World Book Night and this year we are very proud to have been selected as “book givers”. We have 80 free copies of Philippa Gregory’s “The White Queen” to give away. To get your free copy all you have to do is come to the library on the 23rd between 5pm-7pm. There will be a performance of Spoken Word by local poet ‘Jazzman’ John Clarke, live music, plus our Extreme Reading and National Poetry Month exhibitions are still on display. Light refreshments will be served. It promises to be a fantastic evening so please come early and secure your copy! FREE'.