August 9th is a day just for bibliophiles–National Book Lovers Day. Kids of all ages, as well as adults, can indulge in their love for books and celebrate this special day with some of these fun activities.
Join a Book Club
If you’ve been considering membership in a book club, there’s no better day than National Book Lovers Day to take the plunge. There are lots of ways to find the perfect fit. Check with your local library for information on book clubs for kids, teens, and adults. Some libraries even host book clubs dedicated to particular genres. If you can’t find what you’re looking for locally, try an online club. You could even start your own book discussion group.
Take a Trip to the Library or Bookstore
Mingle with fellow book lovers and maybe pick up a new favorite. Ask a staff member for recommendations in a genre you haven’t tried before. Lose yourself in the stacks and inhale the nostalgic scent of old books. Your local library or bookstore may even have special events going on during National Book Lovers Day.
Host a Book Party
There are lots of options when it comes to throwing a book bash. You could make it a costume party and have everyone dress as their favorite literary characters. Offer book-themed fare, like Alice in Wonderland– inspired petit fours or Turkish Delight, Edmund’s weakness in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe. Hold a book trivia contest or play a rousing round of book character charades.
Get Crafty
There are lots of creative, book-themed craft ideas out there to suit all ages. Small children can decorate a strip of paper with crayons or stickers for an easy bookmark. Use the pages from old, beat-up books to create a collage, pennant, or mobile. Older kids can put together their very own book, complete with illustrations. If you’re really invested in the idea, you can even have it professionally printed to create a memory that will last a lifetime.
Spend All Day Reading
Stock up on snacks and block off a whole day just for reading. For kids, build a cozy pillow fort or set up a book nook to make the prospect even more appealing. You can also take your literary adventure outdoors to a peaceful, comfy location like a picnic blanket in the park, a bench beneath a shady tree, or a poolside lounge chair. If you aren’t able to commit to a whole day, try setting aside a few hours free from distractions like cell phones and TV.
Read to Someone Else
Volunteer to host a story hour at a preschool or daycare, or check with a local senior care center or nursing home–chances are, there are plenty of lonely folks who would love to have someone read to them. You can also volunteer at a school, literacy center, or other community service organization.
However you choose to celebrate National Book Lovers Day, take time to reminisce on the books that have had the greatest impact on your life. As an educator, you are in a unique position to share this experience with others. Fostering a love of literacy is truly a gift that keeps on giving.
