You can’t judge a book by its cover, but can you judge a country by its bookcase? New research from eBay UK has revealed that the average home library is worth £577 and yet Brits admit to only having read 30% of the books in their home.
This research into the Great British bookshelf follows new sales data from eBay UK which has revealed that in 2019 a lucky seller on the online site sold a first edition copy of their Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone book for a whopping £9.3K. The beloved classic from author JK Rowling was recognised by Brits as one of the top nostalgic favourites alongside other popular titles including The Famous Five and The Lion The Witch and The Wardrobe.
Further eBay UK sales data has revealed that as well as stacking our shelves with classics from our childhood, sustainable stories have been high on the agenda for Brits with the site seeing a 50% year on year increase in people buying second-hand and eco friendly books since 2016.
When it comes to showing off our shelves, the research has found that a third (30%) of Brits are displaying their books in a bid to inspire their children to pick up a book and read, with 71% of parents choosing to read their own favourite childhood books to their kids to encourage a love of reading.
For bedtime stories, the research shows that we are still very much doing things by the book, with 71% of parents still preferring to read a physical book to their child as opposed to using an electronic device and 63% of children still reading physical books over audio books. The sites’ sales figures support this showing there has been 3000% more sales of physical books than e-books in the last four years.
The data also demonstrates a 36% year on year increase in sales of books on the site with sales in the children’s book category growing by over 28% during this time frame and one of the site’s main booksellers World of Books estimating they will sell over 50,000 books this World Book Day.
To help both parents and kids continue their love of reading, this World Book Day eBay UK is offering up to 50% off kids and young adults books through selected sellers on the site including much loved children’s classics like The Tiger Who Came To Tea and Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone.
Some of the books you can get your hands on for a great price this World Book Day are listed below, with many more also available:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Meltdown (Book 13) by Jeff Kinney
£4.75 RRP £6.99
The Tiger Who Came to Tea Pop-Up Book
£12.14 RRP £19.99
The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle
£5.07 RRP £6.99
Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone Illustrated Edition
£9.70 RRP £14.99
His Dark Materials Gift Edition including all three novels
£13.03 RRP £20.00
The Tale Of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
£4.29 RRP £5.99
Winnie-the-Pooh: The Complete Collection of Stories and Poems
£12.46 RRP £40.00
Harry Potter - Spells & Charms: A Movie Scrapbook by Warner Bros
£8.76 RRP £14.99
Discussing the research, Tilda Molho, Director of media and entertainment at eBay UK, said: “It’s no secret that people in Britain are bookworms so it’s fascinating to get a glimpse into the titles we are stacking our shelves with. Reading a physical book is a great way to promote wellness and a digital detox which may appeal to a younger audience and parents trying to entice their kids away from the screens.
This World Book Day, we wanted to do our bit to help young people celebrate their love of reading by offering up to 50% off on a range of exciting stories on eBay UK. From children’s fantasy and fairytales to romance novels and sci-fi thrillers for young adults, our wide library of online sellers caters to everyone so you’re sure to find a story you will love.”
Graham Bell, Chief Executive Officer at World of Books on eBay UK, said: “World Book Day is always a highlight of our year with so many people worldwide coming together to engage with books and reading. This week, we’re expecting to sell over 300,000 books through our online store on eBay with 30% of these being sold to countries outside the UK which is fantastic. We can’t wait to see some of our most beloved stories flying off our shelves and into the homes of families around the world who will cherish them for years to come.”
The World Book Day promotion on eBay UK is available until the end of March with a wide collection of children and young adult books available with up to 50% off and free standard delivery, regardless of order size.
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For press enquiries including spokesperson opportunities, please contact:
Jessica Brand
0207 067 0646
Notes to Editors:
*eBay sales data (2020)
Data compares overall sales on eBay UK between 2016 and 2020
World of Books
World of Books prides themselves on being the UK’s largest second-hand book retailer, buying unsold inventory of used books from UK charity shops and reselling them through their own website and on online sites such as eBay UK.
This World Book Day, World of Books will be donating around 100,000 books to British schools across the country who are in need of more books for their pupils.
For interviews with World of Books spokesperson please contact ebay@webershandwick.com