Book Giving Day

Many people think of February 14 as Valentine’s Day. Here at the library, we like to think of it as International Book Giving Day. Here’s the intent of the organization that got us hooked on this idea:  International Book Giving Day is a 100% volunteer initiative aimed at increasing children’s access to and enthusiasm for books.

• Most children in developing countries do not own books.
• In the United Kingdom, one-third of children do not own books.
• In the United States, two-thirds of children living in poverty do not own books.

International Book Giving Day’s focus is on encouraging people worldwide to give a book to a child on February 14th. We invite individuals to 1) gift a book to a friend or family member, 2) leave a book in a waiting room for children to read or, 3) donate a gently used book to a local library, hospital or shelter or to an organization that distributes used books to children in need internationally. To find out more you can visit their website at bookgivingday.com.

Here at the Annapolis Valley Regional Library, we celebrate in our own special way—by dropping off wrapped book gifts in our communities, for you to find and keep (or find and share). And we don’t stop with children’s books—we like to give books to all ages.  Since February 14 is on a Sunday this year, we will be dropping books in our communities the week before. And this year, our Book Patrol will be out in communities on Thursday, February 11 giving books away. Watch for us! 

Where do we get the books we give away? Adopt a Library gives us free books for kids, and we also get lots of donations that make great gifts for our book-loving fans.  We’ll give you some hints on where to find the books on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, so follow us! 

Happy Book Giving Day to you all! May you be inspired to give a book this February 14.     --Angela J. Reynolds, Community Engagement Coordinator