Library-users in Bradford were today celebrating a virtual World Book Day, as part of an ambitious new project aimed at developing reading among children and adults.

This year saw World Book Day's first online festival, featuring a diverse range of events for people of all ages.

The festival's highlight was world-class authors giving live web chats about their work and reading habits. The star-studded line-up included Terry Pratchett, Meera Syal, Nigella Lawson, children's author Jez Alborough and political commentator John Sergeant.

The festival also offered the chance to talk with fellow readers and share reading recommendations.

Schools and libraries across Bradford were taking part in the online festival through the People's Network, an ambitious Lottery-funded initiative giving everyone access to the Internet through their public library. Festival events are archived so anyone missing them today can return to them over coming months.

The People's Network means libraries can now offer new virtual reading experiences and the chance to interact with other readers.

The Government aims for all public libraries to have free Internet access by the end of the year. But in Bradford the scheme has already taken off, with even the smallest libraries having free Internet facilities.

"It's proving a great success," said library group manager Sally Williams. "Many older people in particular are using it.

"We tend to think books and computers are two separate things but through the People's Network you can find out more about books by linking up to writing and reading activities in participating libraries."

As well as promoting the People's Network, Bradford Central Library is holding a World Book Day information session tonight, featuring book-related games and quizzes, book swaps and the chance to discuss recommendations with reading group members.

Schoolchildren have been dressing as book characters and at Waterstones in Bradford children's writer Livy Michael was due to meet youngsters today.

Bradford Central Library's information evening is tonight at 7.30pm in the Hub in the library. Anyone wanting to take part in the book swap is asked to take along an unwanted book.

As part of a national literature initiative, children are being given free book tokens at school which they can use to help them choose from a selection of books, including one by an Ilkley author.

The £1 token is redeemable against a book or audiobook worth £1.95, or more in all bookshops participating in the initiative.

To encourage the scheme, a range of £1 books have been produced including Tough it out, Tom!, by Jenny Oldfield.

Former teacher Dr Oldfield has sold more than a million books and written more than 70 novels. Her book is one of a series about children in school and is aimed at five to seven-year-olds reading independently.

Participating bookshops will be displaying World Book Day posters and notices in their windows and in store.

Visit the online festival at www.worldbookfestival.com today and after that www.worldbookdayfestival.com