World Book Night on March 5 proved a great success when the Henry Bloom Noble Library took part in the largest book giveaway ever attempted. The event, aimed at promoting reading for pleasure, saw 1,000,000 books given away around the UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man by 20,000 people selected to give away 50 copies of a title they had read and enjoyed. Ruth Baxendale, from Farmhill in Douglas, was chosen as one of the 20,000 givers for the event that fell on the eve of her 50th birthday. As a devoted poetry fan she was delighted to be given the task of giving away copies of Poet Laureate Carol Ann Duffy’s The World’s Wife during the evening that also included readings by members of the Isle of Man Poetry Society. Borough Librarian Jan Macartney said: ‘The library was packed out for what proved to be a memorable evening and we were delighted to have shared in this inaugural UK-wide celebration of books with Ruth and other passionate readers.’ - Ends -