International Book Giving Day for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Tuesday, February 14th. There are until the next observance.

Every year on February 14, International Book Giving Day encourages people to do exactly what the name suggests: give books. Booklovers all across the world commemorate this unique event. It is a day to share your love of reading with someone, particularly young people, who may not have as many books as you have. It’s no accident that International Book Giving Day coincides with Valentine’s Dayβ€”after all, it’s a day of love. International Book Giving Day is about two things: a love of books and a love of others.

πŸ“† When is International Book Giving Day?

This year, International Book Giving Day is on February 14th. It is the 2nd Tuesday in February; in 2024, it is on Wednesday.

Countdown to International Book Giving Day

β†’ Did you know: Books Through Bars and other prison book programs give high-quality reading material to help offenders learn information that will keep them on the right track once they are released.

You can also see all cool things you didn’t know about and facts about February 14, 2023.

πŸ“œ History of International Book Giving Day

Emma Perry, the brains behind the children’s review site My Book Corner and author of the children’s novels “I Don’t Like Books” and “This Book Has Alpacas,” took over the management of the day’s events in 2013. Catherine Friess, who runs Story Snug, a store for children’s books and learning activities, helps Perry plan the programs.

International Book Giving Day has a long tradition of author leadership. Clara Vulliamy, a prominent children’s book artist and author of nine books, including “Dotty Detective” and “The Bear With Sticky Paws,” drew the bookplate for the first International Book Giving Day. A writer and illustrator named Viviane Schwarz made the first header and logo for International Book Giving Day.

The goal of International Book Giving Day is to get as many new, used, and borrowed books into the hands of children as possible. People are invited to participate in any way they can, whether by giving to charity that provides children with books or just purchasing new books for the children in their lives.

The day is a voluntary effort focused on expanding children’s access to books and developing in them a love of reading. Volunteers are urged to arrange their own activities or just participate in any way they can, such as by donating at least one book to a kid in need.

Today, International Book Giving Day is celebrated in more than 44 countries, including France, Ukraine, South Africa, Japan, Nigeria, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia.

β˜‘οΈ International Book Giving Day facts

βœ… Local libraries
Many local libraries welcome used book donations, so find one near you and give some away.

βœ… Goodwill
Goodwill provides a variety of community-based activities for people who lack access to books.

βœ… Children-focused N.G.O.s
Kids Need to Read and other non-government groups work to encourage reading in schools that need it.

✨ Things to do on International Book Giving Day

⚑ Leave a book somewhere
You may “accidentally” leave your favorite book at the doctor’s office for someone else to locate and pick up the next time you go. You can add a lovely message on the first page stating that whoever takes up the book is welcome to read it and pass it on to the next person. You may establish a book-gifting culture and make a difference in the lives of many individuals this way.

⚑ Organize a book exchange program
It’s not only about handing out books; you can also trade them. You may want to consider creating a book exchange program in your neighborhood so that everyone can benefit from each other’s libraries. You can have separate programs for children and adults. It’s a wonderful way to spread joy and increase everyone’s love of reading.

⚑ Donate to a local library
Let’s face it: our libraries are underfunded. You may assist by giving gently used books to your local library or any non-profit organization that focuses on sharing books with people who do not have access to them. We also suggest Books for Africa, Book Aid International, and The Book Bus. You may also take it a step further by donating money to the library to help them acquire the books they desperately need.

πŸ“… International Book Giving Day Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2024 February 14 Wednesday
2025 February 14 Friday
2026 February 14 Saturday
2027 February 14 Sunday
2028 February 14 Monday

You can view all February holidays, including Special Interest and other Appreciation holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about International Book Giving Day. So be sure to check back soon.