International Book Giving Day!

Whoa, I’m letting posts on this blog of mine slide – but then who reads it anyway, eh? 😉 I’m part of IBGD this year, so check this out, ladies and gentlemen:

Celebrate International Book Giving Day 14th February 2014

International Book Giving Day, 14th February, is a day dedicated to getting new, used, and borrowed books into the hands of as many children as possible.

Share the love of books & the generosity of giving … all on a day synonymous with love.

International Book Giving Day was built and created by Amy Broadmoore, founder of the American children’s book website, Delightful Children’s Books, in 2012. Inspired by her son’s desire to ‘invent a holiday when people gave books to each other’, the determination to link that with Valentine’s Day was born just 10 days before the day itself!

Within a short space of time Amy’s initiative has continued to grow, sparking enthusiastic responses from across the globe. ‘I used the connections I had as a children’s book blogger to invite people from around the world to celebrate International Book Giving Day.’

Amy continues: ‘People not only give books to kids in their communities, they also share stories and photos via Twitter, Facebook and International Book Giving Day’s website. Connecting with others who are giving books to kids, is part of what makes this an inspiring holiday.’

The support of well-known authors and bloggers has been instrumental in International Book Giving Day’s success. 2014 sees an increased presence of Emma Perry, My Book Corner – UK, as Amy creates a little more room to squeeze in even more bookish projects.

Perry says: ‘the enthusiasm from all who hear about International Book Giving Day is infectious. The reaction I’m getting already really is wonderful – illustrators are donating their time, children are donating books to other children & independent bookstores are in love with the philosophy behind the day.’

International Book Giving Day has received great support from well known children’s authors from around the world. Mem Fox, Clara Vulliamy, Dub Leffler, Katrina Germein, Chris Haughton, Sindiwe Magona, Ed Emberley, Dianne Wolfer, Kathryn Apel, Ed Vere, Claire Wildish, Peter H. Reynolds, Sandy Fussell, Priya Kuriyan, Janeen Brian, Barney Saltzberg, Hazel Edwards, and Frane Lessac have all given books to children on February 14th and are encouraged others to do the same.

The beauty of International Book Giving Day is its simplicity. Participants do not need to organise a huge event to take part. They are invited to celebrate by:

1. Giving a Book to a Friend or Relative. Gift a book to a child who would enjoy receiving a book on February 14th. A perfect alternative to overpriced chocolate and roses … although chocolates still make a good present!

2. Leaving a Book somewhere … Choose a waiting room where kids are stuck waiting. Purchase a good book, and deposit your book covertly or overtly in your waiting room of choice. Try leaving them in playgrounds with our downloadable bookplates or bookmarks tucked inside! The goal here is to spread the love of reading to kids.

3. Donating a Book. Donate books to a school library, children’s hospital, or nonprofit organisation working to ensure that all kids have access to books. A list of some of these organisations can be found on the website.

 

So there you have it, folks. This is an initiative we can all get behind!