LAUNCESTON Library gave out free books recently as part of the World Book Night event.

World Book Night is a national celebration of reading and books, which takes place on April 23 every year. Books are given out across the UK with a focus on reaching those who don’t regularly read, and are gifted through organisations including prisons, libraries, colleges, hospitals, care homes and homeless shelters, as well as by passionate individuals who give out their own books within their communities.

Launceston Library had 100 copies of the book, Elizabeth is Missing, as well as some other books donated by library users. These were given out during the event, and some copies were dropped off at a couple of cafes and a barbers shop in the town, to encourage people to read.

A coffee morning was also held, with the refreshments donated by Launceston Tesco. Library staff added their own home bakes to support a collection for St Luke’s Hospice in Plymouth.

Andi Snook, library manager, said the initiative was well received, adding: “People were really excited, it’s a big community drive. Look out for the event next year.”