KEIGHLEY Library is marking World Book Day.

Visitors will be invited to draw, or write about, their favourite books or characters.

The event takes place next Thursday (March 7), between 3pm and 4.30pm.

Activities, from story times to craft sessions, are being held at libraries across the Bradford district.

And each site will have stocks of free World Book Day publications, and £1 book tokens, on offer.

Councillor Sarah Ferriby, Bradford Council’s executive member for healthy people and places, says: "World Book Day is a great opportunity to encourage children to read more – be it at school or at home – and a day where children can celebrate and take part by dressing up as their favourite character."

Further information about Bradford Libraries events, including World Book Day activities, can be found at facebook.com/bradfordlibraries

World Book Day was created by UNESCO in 1995 as a global celebration of books and reading.

It was first held in the UK and Ireland two years later, to "encourage young people to discover the pleasure of reading".

World Book Day, a registered charity, is now marked in over 100 countries.

For more details about the initiative and ways of getting involved, go to worldbookday.com