As part of this year’s World Book Day celebrations on Thursday, the library hosted  the event, funded by Arts Council England through its National Lottery Project Grants programme, and Julia and Hans Rausing.

Rob Biddulph, author of Charlie McGrew and the Horse That He Drew, published by HarperCollins Children’s Books and Rex Stone (Jane Clarke), author of Dinosaur Club: On the Trail of the T.rex illustrated by Louise Forshaw, published by DK. Elmer, the iconic colourful elephant, also made a surprise appearance.

Children enjoyed workshops, readings, and games.

Forest Town Library has also received copies of the World Book Day £1 books donated by their respective publishers, enabling it to become an exchange hub during the token redemption period (until 31st March).

Peter Gaw, chief executive of Inspire, which runs the libraries, said: “We are excited to be one of the 20 libraries working with World Book Day this year to host local school children at Mansfield Central Library and have fun with books and reading.  Reading is at the heart of Inspire and we celebrate the goal to give children the chance and choice to enjoy reading in our libraries across Nottinghamshire.

“We share the vision to support children to read for pleasure and actively implement the World Book Day principles through our services which support and encourage children to read at home and in school.”