What is World Book Day?
World Book Day is an International Event often celebrated in the UK and Ireland on May 5, although the US celebrates World Book Day on April 23 each year. It’s purpose is to promote the love of reading and inspire others to read more for pleasure. Many organizations often celebrate by handing out free books to schools and communities and host reading activities or events. This will be the 23rd year World Book Day is celebrated!
Learn more about World Book Day here
What is World Book Night?
World Book Night is celebrated internationally each year on April 23. For the past 10 years, World Book Night was celebrated in the USA as well as the UK and Ireland and almost 50,000 people gave a million books away in three different countries. World Book Night is for everyone, and is the perfect opportunity to celebrate books and the difference they make to your life.
Learn more about World Book Night here
Ways to celebrate
With most of the world under quarantine due to COVID-19, many organizations have modified their usual events to virtual celebrations instead. Check with your local libraries and bookstores to see what events they might be hosting this year, or try some of the ideas listed below.
- READ! Whether you read a book, listen to an audiobook, for a minute or an hour, you can celebrate by simply reading.
- Share what you’re reading on social media using #ReadingHour and #WorldBookNight to join the online celebration. The official World Book Night reading hour is 7pm-8pm.
- Read with family and friends. It can be a family bedtime story or putting together a reading session with your friends.
Social Distancing alternative: use ZOOM to connect virtually! - Create a book-based story game.
- Try reading a genre you wouldn’t normally read.
- Gift a book to a friend or coworker.
Not sure what to read?
The Reading Agency works closely with publishers to put together a list of books that encourage and inspire everyone to read. Their selections include a variety of genres and focus on simple, good, enjoyable and engaging books. You can find the 2020 Booklist here.
Goodreads is another great place to find recommended booklists. Check out my previous post of the Goodreads Choice Awards winners here.
More cool resources and free goodies
Amazon is offer 9 FREE e-books from around the world to celebrate World Book Day! Get the books here.
World Book Day is offering FREE audiobooks for children and teens. Check them out here.
Download Jenna’s April bookclub and Book of the Month’s (referral link) April book choice, VALENTINE now for FREE! Must be claimed APRIL 23 only!
Open Library is an initiative of the Internet Archive where you can read and borrow books from their digital archive.
Many Books offers free digital e-books from open source and self published authors.
If you have a library card, chances are your local library uses Libby or OverDrive to access their materials digitally. Download the Libby and OverDrive apps to see if your library participates!
Let’s Connect!
I love my fellow book lovers and would love to know how you are celebrating World Book Day (and Night!) Let me know in the comments below, post your book pics on my Facebook page, or tag me @bookerybliss on instagram!
