Log on for book lovers' bonanza : Cumbria County Council

World Book Day goes on line for the first time this year and Cumbria County Council's libraries are inviting people in the county to join in on the day, Thursday, March 6. A host of top names are lined up to take part, from Discworld creator Terry Pratchett to the nation's favourite poet Ian McMillan, and visitors to Cumbria libraries will be able to log on to see, hear and chat with leading writers.

Councillor Peter Jackson, Cumbria County Council member with responsibility for libraries and culture, said:

"The very first online festival gives a whole new dimension to World Book Day and creates many more opportunities for book lovers to enjoy it in new ways. I do urge people to go along to their local library and log on. "World Book Day is also a great opportunity to meet other readers at the library and share your interests with others. "Anyone who has not been to a library for a while would find it worth while taking part in World Book Day. They might be amazed at what a modern library service offers. Libraries have not only books but also tapes and CDs on loan. They have computers with Internet access for public use, and they host a range of activities, from reading groups to craft sessions, especially for children and young people."

Special events taking place at Cumbria's libraries range from book-related activities at Penrith Library for children with special needs from local schools to activities for toddlers under the Come & Play scheme and Story Sacks sessions at Whitehaven Library.

Cumbria book lovers will be able to talk to a host of leading writers, including Nigella Lawson, Terry Pratchett, Meera Syal and Michael Rosen, by logging on at their local library. The authors are also giving talks, readings and interviews. World Book Day is also a great opportunity for people to meet up with fellow readers at their local library, to share reading loves and hates, to explore new genres, and surf the net for new reading ideas. Internet surfers at home will also be able to log on to www.worldbookdayfestival.com.

Visitors to many libraries in Cumbria will be able to take part in the Online Festival through the People's Network, the Lottery-funded initiative giving everyone access to the Internet through their public library. Schools in Cumbria will also be creating their own events and working with their local libraries to involve as many children as possible in the day.

On World Book Day book lovers can log on and · Begin the day with domestic goddess Nigella Lawson, launching the festival from the British Library and talking about the books that mean the most to her · Sing-along with Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, who has written a song especially for the World Book Day Online Festival. Ideal for 5-7 year-olds · Chat online with fast and funny double act, illustrator Chris Riddell and author Paul Stewart - perfect for seven to 10-year-olds · Take part in a live web cast with the best-selling author Terry Pratchett, trapped in Peckham Library Pod with an interviewer and a mike · Chat online to Andy McNab about his best-selling, high-octane adventure books, written from his real-life experiences with the SAS · Chat to political commentator-turned-author John Sergeant or to one of the nation's favourite poets, Ian McMillan · End the day with writer, actress and comedian Meera Syal on the intriguing question of what books tell you about the people reading them.