The Reading Agency has announced that the UK's World Book Night celebrations, to be held on Thursday 23rd April 2020, will be digital as plans are modified due to Covid-19.

For the annual celebration of reading, The Reading Agency is encouraging the nation to share in the pleasure of enjoying a book - in print, in e or in audio.

As part of the celebrations, The Reading Agency is holding a Reading Hour, inviting everyone to take time out to read with family, enjoy a chapter by themselves or talk about books with others using the hashtag #ReadingHour online. In addition, World Book Night is encouraging readers to share a book on the day, recommending or sending a book to a friend. With 1 in 6 people in the England having low literacy levels, readers are encouraged to pass on a book to someone who would benefit from the proven power of reading.

Online activity will also see authors from the booklist live broadcasting throughout the day on social media, and a toolkit will provide the public with ideas on how they can celebrate and share the joy of reading without leaving their homes.

This year's list of books features How to Be a Footballer by Peter Crouch, North and South by Elizabeth Gaskell, Double Crossed by Brian Wood, Diversify by June Sarpong, The Salt Path by Raynor Winn, The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams and many more.

As well as print books, this year for the first time 5,000 free audiobooks will be given away to members of the public, as The Reading Agency seeks to make reading available to the widest possible audience. Anyone can apply online to receive a free audiobook by Thursday 9th April, and recipients will be chosen at random and sent a single-use download code on World Book Night.

Debbie Hicks, The Reading Agency, said: "Books have the power to change lives and connect us up in these difficult times. World Book Night will, with the generous support of publishers and other partners, be a key moment to come together to celebrate this power and inspire people across the UK and Ireland to enjoy reading.”

“With the current situation with Covid-19, our plans to distribute books have altered, however we have lots of exciting things being planned to get everyone involved in the celebration at home and online."

Find out more and how to get involved on the World Book Night page.