Give a Book Day

 

The Edinburgh Napier University Library Team would like to not only wish everyone a very happy Valentine’s Day, but also a happy International Book Giving Day as well! Annually coinciding with Valentine’s Day on the 14th of February every year, International Book Giving Day was introduced as a worldwide initiative and movement to promote a love of reading, literature and books of all genres. And while love is in the air on this particular day of the year in general, we feel we might as well show and spread our love of reading and books (after all, we are ENUs library team!) by writing this dedicated blog post.

 

Origins, and how we participate…

 

International Book Giving Day emerged from groups of individuals with a shared love of reading and passion for books, engaging in and organising book-sharing events and activities. Since then, it has become a global initiative and primarily encourages individuals, communities and organisations to gift books to others where possible. This includes both adults and children, particularly those who may experience barriers to literary access. One of its other objectives is to try to foster a love of reading and literature in children from a young age. At present, International Book Giving Day is recognised and celebrated in approximately 44 countries worldwide.

 

When we withdraw old stock at any of our three campus libraries, we often box it up and send it to an online bookseller company named Better World Books. This company was founded in the year 2002 and sells both new and second-hand books at affordable prices. Its primary values and mission coincide with those of International Book Giving Day: to promote literacy and literary initiatives, sustainability, and encourage better access to as well as a love of, books and literature overall. Better World Books currently delivers books to over 200 countries across the globe. A lot of their stock is sourced from educational institutions, public libraries, bookshops and wholesalers. Individuals can also donate old books to Better World Books by using one of their drop boxes – locations for these can be found on their main webpage.

How you can participate too…

 

  • Give the gift of a book: Got a book that you recently finished reading and couldn’t put down? Want to share your love of that particular book? If you don’t feel too sentimental about giving it away, you can participate in International Book Giving Day by gifting the book to a friend, family member, or someone you know who you think would enjoy it as well! You can even leave a heartfelt message or dedication inside if you like.
  • Make a donation (or several): If you have been intending to clear out some of your old books, why not donate them to your local library, a community centre or school? This can help to widen the span of literature and book genres which people have access to. You can also, as mentioned above, bring them to your nearest drop-box for Better World Books.
  • Give recommendations and share them on social media: Spread the word! Promote this international day and global initiative to others and encourage them to get on board. Use relevant hashtags in any posts you make or share – also share any great recommendations you may have for any titles you have read recently and couldn’t put down!

 

By Rachel Downie

 

Photo by Jo Anaya Unsplash

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