Book night launched with giveaway

2011-03-05 08:06:48

6 March 2011 Last updated at 00:03 Share this page Delicious Digg Facebook reddit StumbleUpon Twitter Email Print World Book Night launched with million book giveaway   Books were handed out by 20,000 volunteers Continue reading the main story Related Stories Homeless group in book giveaway

One million books, including works by Alan Bennett and John le Carre, have been given away in the UK and Ireland to mark the inaugural World Book Night.

They have been distributed at venues including homeless centres, pubs and hospitals in a bid to boost reading.

Some 20,000 people were asked to pick their favourite from 25 titles and were then given 48 copies to pass on to friends with their recommendation.

BBC Two is screening an evening of special programmes to mark the event.

Organiser Jamie Byng said it had been tough to come up with a shortlist of just 25 books, chosen by a committee of booksellers, librarians and broadcasters.

"We wanted to created a really balanced list that had things on it that would appeal to everyone," he told the BBC.

The idea has had widespread support from authors, although some independent booksellers have raised concerns the event could damage future sales.

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