Armed with help from my housemates, three sets of borrowed scrabble, and enough paper to fill a bookcase (and I should know), I arrived early to the library on the morning of World Book Day.

I had decided against a costume this time, although I had used Bob the Library Bear’s social media accounts to announce a dressing up contest for the children. They were challenged to dress as their favourite character and there would be edible treats (as usual) for all entrants.

I knew we’d get a few kids in for the contest as some of the local schools asked their pupils to dress up on the day anyhow and children love to get good value for a costume. If they could get their teacher to admire their outfit and then go to the library to get more praise and chocolates, then where was the downsid...

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