Every April 23rd, World Book Day is rejoiced around the globe in partnership with publishers, booksellers, and libraries. It’s a great time to reflect on the value of books in your life and think about the ways in which you can promote a healthy relationship with reading. Check out upcoming events and activities at your local libraries and independent bookstores, and get involved with organizations like BBB that help underserved communities gain access to the books they love. With this special day just around the corner, BBB has put together a list of ten ways you can celebrate World Book Day.
Go on a bookstore crawl. Get together with your bookworm friends and show some love for the independent bookstores in your area. This is a wonderful way to show bookstores some love and pick up a few new titles while you’re at it. And if you’re in Brooklyn, NY check out this Bookstore Crawl happening April 22nd – April 29th.
Organize a book swap. You know those friends who always know what to read next? Invite them or family over for a day of fun, books and treats while everyone can take home something new to read. Wrapping the books up or making a game out of the swap will encourage any reader to get excited to flip open the mystery pages.
Set up a book nook. Time to bring out those string lights and throw pillows! Find that stack of unread books collecting dust on your shelves and arrange them next to your favorite plants and candles so you have a cozy reading corner waiting for you. This is also a good way to sort through some titles you’d like to keep or give away.
Donate books to nonprofits. The money or books you give will go directly to helping smaller nonprofits supply books for people in need. Consider homeless shelters, books-to-prisoner programs, resettlement groups and other community-based organizations when looking for a place to make book donations—just be sure to reach out first. A little goes a long way!
Create a personalized book journal. Fill a notebook with all your reading info such as a To-Be-Read list, favorite quotes, or any other annotations and reading notes. Create an index at the back of your journal so you can easily browse your notes by topic, author, or book title. A journal of any kind will do and can bring out your need to reflect upon what you’ve read as you soar through each chapter.
Find ways to support indie authors. These days, most writers struggle to get compensated for their work. Go that extra mile by pre-ordering books, leaving reviews, and attending readings and signings in person. Start by following authors on social media and sharing their content with friends. Tagging or mentioning them during your World Book Day activity on social media will definitely show them your support as well.
Take yourself (and a little buddy) on a reading picnic. Head to your local park so you can soak up the spring sun and enjoy a book outdoors. Bring a little reader along with picture books and make a scavenger hunt! Reading outdoors with kids activates their learning skills in multiple ways. Get creative in creating teachable moments as you work with words during play!
Throw a book-themed party. We know you’ve been looking for an excuse to dress up like your favorite Jane Austen character while you sip tea. Feel free to get silly or serious and dress up as your favorite book characters and host a Book Bash. This is an amazing way to chat about how books and their characters shape our lives and what they mean to us. You may be surprised at how much you may have in common with other book cosplayers!
Go on a literary tour. Unlike a Book Crawl, literacy tours allow you to tap into the hidden wonders of the lives of famous writers and how their surroundings impacted their work. Think of it like an open museum where you can view the history and influences of how well-known books have been created behind the scenes. If you’re in the Big Apple, check out this literary tour guide that can help you explore the hidden gems of book writing history!
Get in touch with BBB. Many new and exciting things are happening at Books Beyond Bars. Be sure to give us a follow on Instagram as well as visit our Take Action page to keep up with our updates. We’re opening our volunteer applications soon, so reach out to us as we begin screening applications for the summer. If you’re a book person with a passion, we want you! We look forward to getting connected.
As always, we appreciate everyone who supports what we do. Our mission is fueled by the magic that books bring to others, and we celebrate World Book Day each and every time an incarcerated person becomes empowered through reading. Visit our website to see our impact as we continue to give the gift of literacy enrichment all year long.
Happy World Book Day!