LIBRARIES across East Sussex will be taking part in a global initiative aimed at encouraging people to read for pleasure.

On Wednesday, April 23 2014, East Sussex County Council is supporting World Book Night, which encourages people to give books to those who don’t regularly read.

Twelve libraries in the county will act as distribution points for special World Book Night editions of selected titles, which will be handed out in the local community by World Book Night volunteers.

Libraries are also encouraging people to register as a ‘community giver’ and to hand out books of their own choice to people they know who don’t usually read.

Cllr Chris Dowling, county council lead member for community services, said: “Reading is recognised as having so many benefits for health and wellbeing as well as giving enormous pleasure.

“World Book Night is a great opportunity for people who are regular readers to share their love of books with friends, family members, neighbours and work colleagues.”

World Book Night editions will be delivered with specially created East Sussex library stickers and a postcard containing a quote, witty comment, lyric or comment on one side and details of their local library on the other side.

Community givers can also visit participating libraries to pick up World Book Night stickers and book plates to put in the book they’re giving.

The East Sussex libraries participating in World Book Night are: Battle, Bexhill, Crowborough, Eastbourne, Forest Row, Hailsham, Hastings, Lewes, Peacehaven, Rye, Uckfield, Willingdon.

Library users and the general public are invited to register as community givers up until World Book Night itself online at www.worldbooknight.org

More information is available by calling the East Sussex libraries and information service on 0345 6080196.