Westgate Oxford is giving away free books this Saturday in partnership with Oxford Westgate Library, as part of this year’s World Book Night celebrations and the wider National Year of Reading.
The event will take place on Saturday 18 April, with organisers saying the giveaway will run from 10am to 3pm at the Guest Services Desk on the Upper Ground Floor, next to JD Sports. Westgate’s official event page says no ticket is needed.
Visitors will be able to choose from a selection of fiction and non-fiction titles for all ages, including a dedicated children’s section, with books donated by Oxford Westgate Library. Westgate says the event is designed to help readers “get lost in a good book” ahead of World Book Night on 23 April.
Why the event matters
The giveaway ties into the National Year of Reading 2026, a UK-wide campaign designed to encourage more people to make reading a regular part of their lives. The campaign is backed by the Department for Education and the National Literacy Trust, which says it is responding to a decline in reading for pleasure among children, young people and adults.
It also comes just a few days before World Book Night on 23 April, which is run by The Reading Agency and encourages people across the UK to celebrate books and reading. This year’s programme again includes #ReadingHour, which invites people to set aside time to read between 7pm and 8pm on World Book Night itself.
What visitors can expect at Westgate Oxford
According to Westgate’s event listing, guests will be able to pick up a free book from the giveaway point on the Upper Ground Floor, with the centre also promising an appearance from princess performers from Make A Smile between 10am and 12pm. The centre says the event is being held in partnership with The Reading Agency and Oxford Westgate Library.
The giveaway also gives readers a practical introduction to one of the city’s main library services. Oxford Westgate Library, which sits within Westgate Oxford, is open Monday to Thursday from 9am to 8pm and Friday to Saturday from 9am to 5.30pm.
A useful family event in the city centre
For Oxford families, the event offers a simple and free city-centre activity during the spring holidays, with a mix of books for children, younger readers and adults.
It also taps into a wider push to make reading feel less formal and more accessible. The Reading Agency says World Book Night is about bringing people together to inspire reading in ways that fit everyday life, whether that means reading alone, with family, in a book club or by listening to an audiobook.
Details at a glance
| Detail | Information |
| Event | Free World Book Night book giveaway |
| Venue | Westgate Oxford |
| Date | Saturday 18 April 2026 |
| Time | 10am to 3pm |
| Location in centre | Guest Services Desk, Upper Ground Floor, next to JD Sports |
| Cost | Free |
| Extra activity | Make A Smile princess appearances, 10am to 12pm |
FAQs
When is the free book giveaway at Westgate Oxford?
It is taking place on Saturday 18 April 2026.
What time does it start?
Organisers say the giveaway will run from 10am to 3pm. The Westgate event page also confirms no ticket is needed.
Where in Westgate Oxford is it happening?
Books will be available from the Guest Services Desk on the Upper Ground Floor, next to JD Sports.
Why is the event being held?
It is part of World Book Night 2026 and the National Year of Reading, both of which aim to encourage more people to read for pleasure.
Do you need a ticket?
No. Westgate says visitors can simply turn up on the day.
