One thousand books donated to patients for World Book Day

Nottingham Hospitals Charity brought the joy of reading to patients across Nottingham’s hospitals this World Book Day (Thursday 5th March, 2026).

Thanks to our donors, we delivered more than 1,000 books to patients of all ages, as part of the global celebration of reading. Young patients at Nottingham Children’s Hospital received picture books, comic books and fairy stories, while adult patients received a range of fiction and non-fiction, across a variety of genres.

Four hundred of the children’s books were donated by charity Jude and the Book Factory, which was set up in honour of little Jude, who sadly passed away from neuroblastoma in 2023, at the age of five. During his treatment, books became a source of comfort for Jude, and he wanted to ensure other children in hospitals across the country also had access to books during their treatment.

Donations also came from nine-year-old Binuthi Gunasekara, who delivered copies of her own book, Two Fairies and the Creepy Monster, to young patients at Nottingham Children’s Hospital. More than 200 comic books were kindly donated by science fiction and entertainment retailer Forbidden Planet, and 165 adult fiction and non-fiction books were generously gifted by World of Books.

The day of book-giving is part of Nottingham Hospitals Charity’s ongoing commitment to bringing more reading spaces to patients across Nottingham’s hospitals.

The Charity has recently funded a library and relaxation zone for ward D35 at Nottingham Children’s Hospital – giving young patients and their families a calming space away from the busy ward to relax with a book.

The new space caters for children of all ages, with comfortable seating, colourful décor, sensory lighting and shelves filled with books for all tastes and ages.

Michelle Dorman, Senior Community Fundraising Manager at Nottingham Hospitals Charity, said: “We’re delighted to be able to bring the joy of reading to patients of all ages across Nottingham’s hospitals this World Book Day.

“It’s been such a pleasure to see the smiles on the faces of children and adults alike as we present each patient with their very own book. 

“Being in hospital can be a stressful experience, but we hope these books will help bring some normality and a welcome distraction for patients during their time here. I’d like to thank all our generous donors who have made this possible.”