Reading is vital for a child’s growth, but with all the hassles of adulthood, not many adults have the time to read. The factors present in why people don’t read range from poverty to mental health.
It’s important to read because of how it provides relief from the everyday world. Reading inspires people and educates people about the world around them.
However, not many people can see the benefits reading provides. World Book Night aims to change the way adults view reading by encouraging adults to take the time to read during the night with free books.
History of World Book Night
World Book Night began back in 2011 in the United Kingdom and Ireland, when Jamie Byng, MD of Canongate, conceived of the idea. It came to be after discussing it a year before with those present at Book Industry Conference. It created another way for adults to read more and since then, the holiday has become a success.
However, because World Book Day existed for children, World Book Night became a day for adults to read more books. In 2012, the holiday moved from March to April to coincide with UNESCO’s International Day of the Book. In 2012 and 2013, the holiday was celebrated in the United States. Over 50,000 people gave books to others on this day.
In late 2013, World Book Night then became part of the Reading Agency; an organization focused on helping and encouraging others to read more books. Each year, books are given to people in hospitals, prisons, libraries, colleges, homeless shelters, and their communities.
The giveaway for these books has since helped bookstores sell more books and continue their businesses. Volunteers go around their local communities and give away books, encouraging others to read and grow in their knowledge of the world.
How to Celebrate World Book Night
Volunteer at your local reading library or bookstore to see about celebrating World Book Night and give away some free books.
Give books to those in a hospital, a care center, a homeless shelter, or a child day center. You can also take the time to read a book late into the night and relax. Start a library of your favorite collections of books and share those books with others.
Share this holiday with your friends and family and ask them what their favorite books are. Recommend your favorite books to others and share your love of reading with everyone.