A radio talk show host has appealed to the public to support childhood literacy with donations of books to public schools.

Nikita Robinson, the host of The Ladies’ Room show on Magic 102.7, said it was hoped almost 1,300 books would be given to preschools and nursery schools.

She added that more books would be handed over to 18 primary, middle and high schools.

Ms Robinson said the event was her “favourite day of the year, where the love of literacy is spread from one end of the island to the other by community sponsors and volunteers”.

She added that individuals, families or companies could sponsor a school by giving books or gift cards to mark World Book Day.

She said the public could also sign up for a virtual reading at a nursery or preschool.

Ms Robinson was speaking as she prepared for the 11th annual World Book Day on Thursday.

She said: “Reading officer Kim Manderson, from the Department of Education, has lent her support again by retrieving specific book requests from each of the reading specialists at our public primary schools.”

Ms Robinson highlighted that one preschool and six primary schools were still looking for a sponsor.

Members of the public can buy a book at the Brown & Co. bookstore on Front Street in Hamilton at a 20 per cent discount and drop it in the special book bins.

Gift cards of any amount can also be bought and donated at the store.

Ms Robinson added that books could also be donated direct to a school.

The book list is available at Brown & Co and on their website.

For more information, contact Ms Robinson at 297-1076 or by e-mail to nikita@hott1075bermuda.com.