World Book Night Comes to Barrett Branch Library

Alexandria’s Barrett Branch library in Old Town will participate in World Book Night, a campaign to give away thousands of free paperback books in one day to those without means or access to printed books.

Volunteer book lovers help promote reading by reaching out to their communities on April 23 by sharing free copies of 30 different book titles, including Margaret Atwood’s "The Handmaid’s Tale," "Bossypants" by Tina Fey and "Me Talk Pretty One Day" by David Sedaris.

Volunteers at Barrett Branch on Queen Street are sharing their books in places such as Veterans’ Affairs hospitals, roller skating rinks, mass transit, nursing homes, schools and food pantries.

The library is hosting a pre-World Book Night reception at 7 p.m. Tuesday at the Barrett Branch. Local givers can pick up their books at that time, and anyone interested in learning more about World Book Night is invited, too.

It is too late to be a “giver” this year, but those interested in future participation can sign up for the WBN mailing list for next year’s event.

Bestselling authors Ann Patchett and James Patterson are this year’s honorary co-chairs of the event.