World Book Night 2016, British Library

It’s difficult to think of a more apt date for World Book Night than 23^rd April. This, after all, is the (admittedly disputed) date on which Shakespeare was born, and on which he died some 400 years ago.

To mark this occasion, head to the British Library where a range of authors will discuss why reading matters to them. Among the speakers are Cathy Rentzenbrink, whose memoir of bereavement The Last Act of Love became a Sunday Times bestseller last year, and Matt Haig, whose Reasons to Live is a much-lauded account of the author’s struggle with depression. There’s little doubt that these are challenging subjects, but surely much of literature’s value lies in its ability to take on such subjects, and to help readers and writers navigate their way through the most trying of times.

After the readings and talks, there’ll also be a chance for guests to mark Shakespeare’s birthday and to take a look around the Shakespeare in Ten Acts exhibition. What better way to celebrate the joys and comforts of great literature than by re-acquainting yourself with arguably the most celebrated wordsmith of all time?