City Lights Bookstore in Sylva is hosting an event at 6:30 p.m., April 17, for local volunteers the week before World Book Night, in preparation for the givers going out into the community.

On April 23, volunteers will give away half a million free books in undeserved areas and places such as VA hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, ballparks, mass transit stations and diners.

828.586.9499 or www.worldbooknight.org.