U.S. Booksellers Invited to Participate in International Book Giving Day

International Book Giving Day — February 14, 2013 — is dedicated to getting new, used, and borrowed books in the hands of as many children as possible. In 2012, the volunteer initiative was celebrated by people in Australia, Canada, South Africa, France, India, Ireland, Japan, the Philippines, Spain, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Amy Broadmore, a member of the U.S. Planning Team and creator of the Delightful Children’s Books blog, is extending an invitation to independent bookstores across the nation to join in this year’s celebration. 

“As a fan of independent bookstores,” Broadmore said, “I would like to get indies involved in celebrating and helping to promote International Book Giving Day.”  Her hope is that people who participate in the literacy event will be encouraged to purchase their book donations from independent bookstores.

The International Book Giving Day website encourages individuals to get involved by giving books to friends or relatives; leaving books in waiting rooms for children to discover; or donating books to charitable organizations.

For booksellers who would like to participate in this year’s celebration, Broadmore offered the following suggestions:  

• Offer a discount to customers purchasing books for International Book Giving Day;
• Donate money to a literacy nonprofit of your choice for each book sold on (or before) International Book Giving Day;
• Serve as a collection point for both new and used books and donate them to a local library, hospital, shelter, or organization that distributes used books to children.

Bookstores that would like to be added to the list of International Book Giving Day celebrants can send an e-mail to Broadmore, or submit events via the International Book Giving Day website, where they’ll also find additional information about the day, including photos, news updates, and authors who are involved in the event.