International Book Giving Day, which takes place every February 14, encourages the simple yet impactful act of giving books. This heartwarming occasion is embraced by bibliophiles across the globe and serves as a wonderful opportunity to share your passion for reading, particularly with children who may not have the same access to books that many of us do. The choice of February 14 isn’t arbitrary; it aligns perfectly with Valentine’s Day, celebrating not only a love for literature but also a love for humanity.
The Origins of International Book Giving Day
The inception of International Book Giving Day traces back to 2012, when Amy Broadmoore, the creative mind behind Delightful Children’s Books and The Curious Kid’s Librarian, envisioned this special day. Collaborating with fellow blogger Zoe Toft of Playing by The Book, they successfully launched the initiative. By 2013, the reins of the event were passed to Emma Perry, who runs My Book Corner, a children’s review site, and is also the author of delightful titles like “I Don’t Like Books” and “This Book Has Alpacas.” Catherine Friess of Story Snug, known for her engaging children’s books and educational activities, also plays a vital role in supporting the event.
As a testament to its creative roots, Clara Vulliamy, a beloved illustrator and author of children’s books, designed the first bookplate for International Book Giving Day. The initial branding, including the header and logo, was crafted by talented writer and illustrator Viviane Schwarz. The day is dedicated to ensuring that new, used, or borrowed books reach as many children as possible. Whether by contributing to charities that distribute books to kids or purchasing new books for the young readers in your life, every effort counts. This volunteer-driven initiative aims to enhance children’s access to literature and promote a lifelong love of reading.
Today, this global celebration is acknowledged in over 44 countries, spanning nations like France, Ukraine, South Africa, Japan, Nigeria, the U.S., the UK, and Malaysia.
Key Historical Milestones
- 868 A.D.: The creation of “The Diamond Sutra,” recognized as the oldest printed book in existence.
- 1439: The invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg, which transformed the publishing industry.
- 2012: The inaugural International Book Giving Day is organized by Amy Broadmoore with assistance from Zoe Toft.
- 2013: Emma Perry takes the lead in organizing the day’s events.
Frequently Asked Questions about International Book Giving Day
- When is World Book Day?
World Book Day is observed in the UK on the first Thursday of March, while many other regions celebrate it on April 23. - Is there a National Book Week?
National Book Weeks vary by country, with Scotland celebrating in November and South Africa in September. In the Philippines, it occurs from June 18 to June 24 each year. - Is there a specific day for donating books?
Yes, National Donate a Book Day is recognized on April 14 in the U.S., encouraging people to donate books to local libraries. This day was established by the Book Of The Month Club in 2011.Activities for International Book Giving Day- Leave a Book for Someone to Find
Next time you’re at a doctor’s office, consider leaving your favorite book behind with a note inviting the next reader to enjoy it. This simple gesture can spark a communal love for reading. - Organize a Book Exchange
Why not start a book exchange in your community? This way, everyone can share their favorite reads and benefit from each other’s collections, creating a vibrant reading culture. - Donate to Local Libraries
Libraries often face budget constraints, so consider donating gently used books or even making cash contributions to help them acquire much-needed titles. Organizations like Books for Africa, Book Aid International, and The Book Bus are great options for donations. -
Five Great Places to Donate Your Old Books
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- Prison Book Programs: Initiatives like Books Through Bars provide valuable reading materials to prisoners, aiding their rehabilitation.
- Local Libraries: Many libraries welcome donations; find the nearest one and contribute!
- Goodwill: This organization runs community programs to assist those in need of books.
- Children-focused NGOs: Groups like Kids Need to Read promote reading among students in underfunded schools.
- Bookmooch: This platform allows you to swap your used books with others, fostering a sense of community and shared knowledge.
Why We Adore International Book Giving Day
- Our Passion for Books: There’s something magical about immersing yourself in a new story. Books are not only a source of enjoyment but also tools for personal growth and vocabulary expansion.
- Sharing is Caring: This day is all about kindness and generosity. A thoughtful note with a donated book can brighten someone’s day and contribute to a more compassionate world.
- Growing Together: Sharing books allows others to experience the same growth you have from reading. Imagine a community where everyone shares and learns together, ensuring no one is left behind.
For more information and resources on International Book Giving Day, visit https://findnomore.net.
- Leave a Book for Someone to Find
What is the date of International Book Giving Day every year?
Year of Event | Day | Day of the week | Take place |
International Book Giving Day 2024 | Day 14 Month 2 Year 2024 | Wednesday | 0 days |
International Book Giving Day 2025 | Day 14 Month 2 Year 2025 | Friday | 0 days |
International Book Giving Day 2026 | Day 14 Month 2 Year 2026 | Saturday | 315 days |
International Book Giving Day 2027 | Day 14 Month 2 Year 2027 | Sunday | 680 days |
International Book Giving Day 2028 | Day 14 Month 2 Year 2028 | Monday | 1045 days |
International Book Giving Day 2029 | Day 14 Month 2 Year 2029 | Wednesday | 1411 days |
International Book Giving Day 2030 | Day 14 Month 2 Year 2030 | Thursday | 1776 days |
International Book Giving Day 2031 | Day 14 Month 2 Year 2031 | Friday | 2141 days |