Public urged to get involved in Books for Hospitals scheme

Irish people are being urged to purchase and donate books to their local hospitals as part of a campaign to coincide with World Book Day today.

Under the Books for Hospitals scheme, the public are being asked to buy books and leave them in special collection bins at book shops throughout the country.

The organisers of the campaign said these books would provide hours of enjoyment for patients.

Hundreds of other events are taking place around Ireland today to mark World Book Day, while €1.50 book tokens have also been distributed to every schoolchild in the country.