Kent Libraries are inviting people to get their nose in a good book and putting on events around the county to celebrate National Libraries Day on Saturday, February 7 and in some cases throughout the rest of the week.

The day will be marked with quizzes, crafts, treasure hunts, book displays, author talks, as well as themed storytelling around Enid Blyton and Harry Potter at a few venues.

National Libraries Day will also see the launch of a national first – Library Treasures, a new app to encourage youngsters to read.

Children will be able to download the free app onto their Apple or Android device and start collecting virtual coins in the library to play seven fun games, including Farm Fun, Fishy Freedom, Penguin Panic and Funky Frogs.

The only catch is that they have to borrow, read and review at least one book before being allowed to scan each game.

Once scanned into the app, a game can be played anywhere but gamers need to get back to the library to get more coins if they run out of lives.

KCC’s Mike Hill said: “I hope that National Libraries Day reaches and involves as many people across the county as possible – there’s certainly plenty to do.

He added: “While celebrating on Saturday, it’s important not to forget that we can celebrate libraries, librarians and other library staff every day of the year.

“Whether it’s getting out your favourite book, downloading an e-book or taking part in the thousands of events that are put on, from children’s reading sessions and coffee mornings to computer training sessions and authors’ talks.”

The National Libraries Day campaign is designed to say a national thank you for the contribution made by libraries and those who work in them.

For your nearest event, visit the full listings at www.kccmediahub.net

Here is our pick of the top five events happening across the county linking with National Libraries Day this weekend

DARTFORD Library will be holding a Harry Potter storytime and quiz on Saturday, February 7, as well as hosting a display on local history, book groups and looking at the relationship between mind, books and chat. It is open between 9am and 5pm. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/libs

CANTERBURY’s Beaney will host an Enid Blyton-themed afternoon of story-telling and crafts on Sunday, February 8, from 1pm until 4pm to link in with its current exhibition, Mystery, Magic and Midnight Feasts: The Many Adventures of Enid Blyton. Entry costs £2 per child or £5 for three children. Visit www.canterbury.co.uk/beaney/whats_on

GRAVESEND children will have the opportunity to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the modern classic book Guess How Much I Love You at their town library on Saturday, February 7, between 10.30am and 3pm. Reading groups from the area will share their reviews, and there will be a display of work by local writing groups. A group knitting meeting will also take place between noon and 2pm. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/libs

MAIDSTONE’s Kent History and Library centre will allow visitors to delve into the hidden treasures of its archive story box on Saturday, February 7 and storytimes will be held at 11am and 3pm. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/leisure-and-community

SHEERNESS fans of Harry Potter will also have the chance to spend a day on his case, with a themed trail around the library on Saturday, February 7, as well as quizzes, storytime and a book display. It is open between 9am and 5pm. Visit www.kent.gov.uk/libs