FUN and games will be on offer as Darlington Libraries celebrate World Book Day next month.

Now in its 19th year, World Book Day on March 3 is a national event designed to encourage children of all ages to come together to appreciate reading.

And despite the threat of closure looming over Darlington’s libraries, they will all be hosting events to celebrate the joy of reading and encourage people to join up.

The Mobile Library will stop at Joseph Pease Place from 11am to 1pm where visitors can join the library for free, borrow books or just have a look at what is on offer.

The Junior Library mascot, Deefor Dragon, will also be there to meet passing children who can also have their faces painted.

Deefor will also be calling in to The Dolphin Centre, where library staff will be manning an information stand from 11am to 4pm.

Youngsters from the Catholic School Partnership will enjoy a special Book Extravaganza at Crown Street Library throughout the day and year seven pupils will take part in a Comic Book Masterclass by renowned illustrator Kev F Sutherland.

Library visitors will be invited to take part in crafts activities and face painting at Crown Street from 1pm to 3pm and face painting at Cockerton between 3.30pm and 4.30pm.

There will also be a colouring competition for youngsters, with a gift voucher prize from The Art Shop.