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13 Ways To Celebrate World Book Day

There is no denying how great the feeling of finishing an amazing book is. What was the last emotion you felt after reading a book? 

Whether it’s feeling inspired and ready to take action after reading a self-help book, immersed in a new world after reading fiction, or in awe and full of empathy for what the author has gone through after reading a memoir, books make us feel it all.

Books truly are special, which is why it only makes sense to celebrate them.

I was excited when I found out there was a holiday called World Book Day. It’s celebrated on April 23 each year.

There are so many different ways to celebrate. I wanted to share them with you today so that we can celebrate together. 

What Is World Book Day?

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) describes World Book Day as “a celebration to promote the enjoyment of books and reading.

Each year, on April 23, celebrations take place all over the world to recognize the scope of books – a link between the past and the future, a bridge between generations and across cultures.”  

It’s a day to celebrate all that we have learned, and can learn from reading books. Reflect on your favorite book. Why is it your favorite? What does it make you think about or feel? This reflection and more are a great way to celebrate April 23.

How Did World Book Day Come To Be?

They chose the date April 23 because many of the world’s most influential authors died on that date. Authors like William Shakespeare, Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, William Wordsworth, and David Haberstam are remembered on this day.

The first World Book Day was celebrated in 1995 and is celebrated by one hundred countries. Some other countries, like the United Kingdom and Ireland celebrate this holiday on a different date, March 2.

13 Ways To Celebrate World Book Day

You may think that the only things to do on World Book Day is read, go to a bookstore or library, and read some more. I’m here to say there is much more variety available to you on this day.

In this list there is something for the nostalgia seekers, the local readers, the creatives, and more. I’ve made sure that there is something for everyone on this list.

Read Your Favorite Childhood Book.

World Book Day is a great time to revisit your favorite books from the past. Share the nostalgic fun by prompting your friends and family to share their favorite childhood book as well. 

Read A New Book With A Friend

Buddy reads are a fun way to relax and bond with your friend(s). Whether it’s the latest new release, or a book that has been on both your to-be-read lists for a while, getting to experience together is special.

Sharing your thoughts and takeaways back and forth, getting to discuss it in real-time as you are reading the book, these are things you don’t get to experience with every book. 

Start Or Join A Book Club

You know you’ve been wanting to join a book club. World Book Day is the perfect day to make it happen!

If you don’t know of any book clubs a great place to check would be the library or local Facebook groups. You could also create your own.

Visit The Library

Any day is a great day to visit the library, but especially on this holiday. Your local library may even already have some fun events planned for the day. It’s definitely something to look into. 

Visit A Local Bookstore

The vibes of a local bookshop are truly chef’s kiss. Especially if it includes, or is near, a coffee shop.

If you’ve never been to a local bookstore in your town, April 23rd is the best day to go. If you’ve already been to all the bookshops in your area, visit your favorite one on that day.

Go Find A Little Free Library In Your Neighborhood

These are the cutest things! If you’ve never seen one, allow me to explain. They are basically a small collection of books that can be anywhere in your town.

I’ve seen some in an apartment complex, a park, and even on the sidewalk downtown. The idea is that you take one book but you leave another in its place.

On World Book Day see if you can find a Little Free Library in your neighborhood. If you don’t have one, consider starting one.

Reorganize Your Bookshelf

If you haven’t done this in a while, World Book Day is a good day to do it. How do you organize your bookshelf? Do you separate the books by genre, format, color, or another way?

Donate Books You Don’t Want

Spread the love that you felt reading those books by donating them. You can give them to friends, drop them off at the thrift store, or even see if your local library will take them.

Challenge Yourself & Even Your Friends

See how many pages you can read on World Book Day, or even how long you can read for. To make it more interesting, challenge your friends to do the same and see who wins.

Volunteer To Read At The Library

Reading to kids is a fun experience, especially when you can hold on to their attention. If your library has any volunteer programs, see if you can sign up.

Or bring up the idea to read to the youth. They may be able to work something out if they don’t have something already set up.

Create A Book Bullet Journal To Track Your Reading

I just learned about book bullet journaling last year. I immediately knew it was something I wanted to try this year. So far I’ve loved it!

It’s not too late to start if you want to create your own. You can even make a digital one similar to this one if that is more your style.

Start A Reading Challenge

Reading challenges are a fun way to get out of your reading comfort zone and into new genres and authors you haven’t experienced before. We have had a few reading challenges if you want to try one of ours, you can also find more on places like Pinterest.

Pick Your Next Read

So many books, so little time, am I right? Use World Book Day to look over your to-be-read list and see which book(s) you want to read next. Not sure what to read? Check out our recommendations.

What will you be doing on World Book Day? Let me know in the comments below.

About the Author

Kelly Clark

Kelly graduated from Liberty University with a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and a minor in Journalism. Even though it took her a little while to find her career path, she was always meant to be in Communications. She remembers writing poems and songs when she was a little girl and pitching to my parents the reasons why I should have a cell phone when I was a teenager. She currently has a blog (budding-joy.com) where she talks about her weight-loss journey, mental health and personal development. Her hope is to encourage and inspire readers and let them know they are not alone. Reading blog posts like that are what helped her in tough times and she wants to pay it forward. She loves dance fitness, listening to music, and creating layouts in her bullet journal. She's a big fan of planning, especially when cute notebooks and pens are involved. Her dream job has changed so much over the years; right now she'd love to co-own a dance studio.

Website: budding-joy.com