International Book Giving Day and Its Global Impact
International Book Giving Day is observed every year on 14 February, aiming to inspire people to give books to children and others who may have limited access to reading. The event was established in 2012 by Emmy Brodmer, an American mother and founder of a children’s book website.
The idea originated from a question posed by Brodmer’s son about a day dedicated to giving books simply for the joy of sharing. Since then, the celebration has grown to include donations to hospitals, shelters, and remote communities, emphasising the importance of books as spiritual and emotional treasures.
In Australia, the day is supported by the Australian Book Retailers Association, libraries, and schools, which organise book swaps, collections, and festivals to promote reading and generosity among children and communities.
Date and Name of the Celebration
International Book Giving Day is celebrated annually on 14 February, having been established in 2012. The event is also known by the alternative name International Book Giving Day, reflecting its focus on the act of gifting books. This consistent date and dual naming have helped to unify global recognition of the celebration.
Celebrations in Australia
In Australia, International Book Giving Day is actively supported by the Australian Book Retailers Association, which organises various campaigns in bookstores across the country. Sydney libraries contribute to the celebration by hosting bookcrossing events and collecting books specifically for children from remote Aboriginal communities on 14 February. Australian schools participate by holding “Book Swap Days,” encouraging students to exchange books among themselves. Melbourne hosts an annual book giving festival that features local authors of children’s stories, further promoting the spirit of the event. Additionally, in 2013, Emmy Broadmoor collaborated with Australian bloggers specialising in children’s literature to help raise awareness and support for the initiative.
History and Initiative of the Celebration
The International Book Giving Day was initiated by American Emmy Brodmer, the founder of a children’s book website in the United States. As a mother of three children, Emmy was inspired to create the celebration following a question from her son about whether there was a day when people simply gave books to each other. Motivated by this idea, Emmy Brodmer reached out to her network, including bloggers, social media users, colleagues, and partners, to promote and establish the holiday. This grassroots approach helped to launch the event and spread its message of sharing books.
Goals and Significance of the Celebration
International Book Giving Day unites all those who give books to children and foster a love of reading among them. The primary focus of this day is to gift books to children, especially those who face limited access to reading materials. Such limitations often arise from financial hardships or difficult life circumstances. To address this, books are donated to children in orphanages, shelters, boarding schools, and hospitals. Reading plays a vital role in teaching children values such as kindness, friendship, mutual support, love for others, and empathy. Organisers of the celebration emphasise the importance of treating books with care, recognising them as objects of spiritual value that provide readers with profound feelings and emotions.
