National Book Giving Day

Person handing a book to someone with a smile, surrounded by a cozy library setting, filled with bookshelves and comfy reading nooks.. — National book giving day illustration

Welcome to the wonderful world of National Book Giving Day! Prepare to unleash your inner book nerd and engage in an altruistic act of literary generosity. On this glorious day, we celebrate the joy of giving and the power of books to connect people from all walks of life. So grab your favorite book and get ready to embark on a literary adventure like no other!

When is Book Giving Day?

It's national book giving day on the 14th February.

The Birth of National Book Giving Day

Every great national day has a story, and National Book Giving Day is no exception. It all began when a group of book lovers decided that the world needed more books and more readers. They understood the magic that can unfold between the pages of a well-written book and aimed to spread that magic far and wide.

With their passion for literature and their determination to make a difference, they launched National Book Giving Day. This day is dedicated to encouraging the love of reading and promoting literacy by giving books to those who may not have easy access to them.

What started as a small-scale initiative has now become a global movement, with book lovers around the world joining forces to ensure that everyone gets to experience the joy and wonder of reading.

How to Celebrate National Book Giving Day

Ready to be a literary superhero? Here are some ways you can celebrate National Book Giving Day:

Donate books to libraries, schools, or other organizations that promote literacy.
Host a book drive and collect gently used books to distribute among those in need.
Give books as gifts to friends, family, or complete strangers. Spread the literary love!

Remember, there's no wrong way to celebrate National Book Giving Day. As long as you're spreading the joy of reading, you're doing it right!

History behind the term 'Book Giving'

1450

Invention of the printing press

In the year 1450, Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press in Mainz, Germany. This revolutionary invention allowed for the mass production of books, making them more accessible to a wider population. The availability and affordability of books increased, leading to an increased interest in reading and literacy.

1538

The birth of book giving

The term 'book giving' can be traced back to the year 1538 when Conrad Gessner, a Swiss physician, bibliographer, and naturalist, published a guide titled 'Bibliotheca Universalis' (Universal Library). This comprehensive work played a significant role in the development of libraries and book collections, emphasizing the importance of sharing and donating books to expand knowledge and foster education.

1800

Public libraries and book donation campaigns

In the 19th century, public libraries began to emerge as institutions that aimed to provide free access to books and promote reading among the general public. These libraries relied on book donations from philanthropists, individuals, and organizations to expand their collections. Book donation campaigns were organized to encourage the public to contribute their books, fostering a culture of giving and sharing knowledge.

1923

World Book Day

World Book Day, also known as International Day of the Book, was established by UNESCO in 1923. Celebrated on April 23rd, it aims to promote reading, publishing, and copyright issues worldwide. This global event encourages book giving and organizes various activities to promote a love for books and reading, including book exchanges, literary events, and initiatives to improve access to books in underserved communities.

2010

Giving Tuesday encourages book giving

In recent years, the concept of 'Giving Tuesday' has gained popularity as a global day of charitable giving following the consumer-oriented Black Friday and Cyber Monday. Since its inception in 2010, Giving Tuesday, which falls on the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, has encouraged individuals and organizations to give back to their communities, including book giving initiatives where people donate books to libraries, schools, and literacy programs, promoting the joy of reading and education for all.

Did you know?

Did you know that J.K. Rowling, the magical mind behind the Harry Potter series, is the first author to become a billionaire? Perhaps there's a fortune hidden within the pages of your favorite books too!