For literacy lovers like myself, it’s exciting to be able to celebrate another book- or reading-focused holiday…International Book Lovers Day!
What Exactly is This Day All About?
If you’ve followed some of our previous blogposts focused on days that celebrate literacy, reading, and books, what sets this day apart from other literacy based holidays? Well, this holiday focuses on literature, reading, and the impact that books have on our culture. It celebrates all that reading has to offer- providing an escape, being a form of entertainment and/or relaxation, taking readers to new places, exposing readers to new information or perspectives, and so much more.
To put it simply, today is a day for those who love to read! Everyone is encouraged to celebrate by finding a comfortable reading place, selecting an engaging book (from whichever genre you prefer) and to read the day away.
Fun Facts About Books
Before we get into some ways that you can make the most of this day, what better time is there to learn some quick fun facts about books and reading?
- The first public libraries started way back in the Middle Ages. However, they often had to chain books to a shelf or desk to keep people from stealing the books!
- There’s a word for appreciating the smell of books, especially older books; that word is bibliosmia. Are you one who can’t resist the smell of a book?
- The average American reads about 12 books per year. How many do you read?
- The country that supposedly has more readers than any other country is…Iceland! Is it because of the weather perhaps?
Celebrating International Book Lovers Day as a Family
Maybe you simply want to celebrate today by intentionally setting aside time to read a book (alone or with your kids!). However, if you’re looking for a few different ways to spice up this International Book Lovers Day, might we suggest some of the activities listed below?
- If you’re a regular reader, try mixing it up by reading via a different format or platform today. For example, if you usually like reading print books, try reading on a Kindle or online. The variety might engage you or your child in a different way!
- If you found the fun facts about books listed above interesting, do some research online to find your own fun facts about books. Can your child make a visual or a poster sharing some of these fun facts?
- Share about your reading life with others; this will be especially impactful if you share it with your children! Where do you like to read? Why do you like to read? When do you like to read? You can even share this information on a digital poster or visual.
- You can encourage your kids to find out about new-to-them books via book talks, book trailers, book reviews, or even favorite book lists on the internet.
- ‘Tis the season for new book releases by a lot of the big name authors. Look at books that are being published/released this month (or that were released in late spring/summer) and order those books or put them on hold at the library so that you can read along with the latest and greatest! I personally like to write down the days some of these books are released on my calendar so that I can be one of the first holds at the library and get them almost as soon as they are released!
Favorite Authors While Your Child is Learning
If you’re finding yourself in need of more free time so that you can read, sign your child up for their first Dailies class for free! While your child is learning, here are some of my own personal favorite fiction authors that you might want to check out:
- Katherine Center
- Emily Giffin
- Kristin Hannah
- Kristy Woodson Harvey
- Emily Henry
- Sally Hepworth
- Elin Hilderbrand
- Lisa Jewell
- Liane Moriarty
- Taylor Jenkins Reid
I could go on and on! Let me stop there for now. Find whatever genre, author, or book you find the most engaging and read, read, read today!
