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Description
While there isn’t a big organization behind National Donate a Book Day – April 14, the idea took root thanks to passionate book lovers and literacy advocates. Over time, word spread on social media and through community events, and now April 14 has become an unofficial holiday for bookworms everywhere!
History
You might be surprised to learn that National Donate a Book Day – April 14 isn’t just a random date picked by book lovers—it has roots in a major literary celebration.
This special day was first introduced in 2011 by none other than the Book of the Month Club, a legendary book subscription service that has been delivering stories to readers’ doors since 1926. The announcement happened during National Library Week, making it the perfect occasion to launch a movement focused on giving books a second life.
The event marked a milestone for the Book of the Month Club—they were turning 85 years old—and decided to celebrate their anniversary in a truly meaningful way: by encouraging people across the country to donate books to their local public libraries. This initiative was made possible through a partnership with the Association of Library Trustees, Advocates, Friends, and Foundations (ALTAFF), a division of the American Library Association (ALA).
Since then, April 14 has become a national call to action—a day to clean off your shelves and give books another chance to spark joy, inspire, and inform new readers. The message is simple but powerful: "Share the joy of reading."
How To Celebrate
1. Host a Book Swap
Gather your friends or neighbors and swap books! It’s like shopping, but free and full of surprises. You might even discover your next Book of the Month.
2. Set Up a Free Library Box
If you’ve seen those cute little book huts in neighborhoods, now’s your chance to build your own! They’re easy to make and perfect for community sharing.
3. Organize a School Drive
Work with your child’s school to collect book donations and redistribute them to classrooms or students who need them most.
4. Share Online
Post a picture of your donated books and share your story on social media. Use hashtags like #DonateABookDay or #BooksForEveryone to spread the love!
Amazing Facts
You didn’t think we’d skip the fun facts, did you? Here’s a collection of interesting nuggets to impress your fellow bookworms:
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The average American household owns over 100 books, many of which go unread.
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61% of low-income families in the U.S. have zero age-appropriate books for their kids.
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Just one donated book can impact an entire classroom or library.
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Reading fiction improves empathy, according to science. So yes, donating novels makes the world a kinder place.
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Reading for just 6 minutes can reduce stress by up to 60%. That’s better than a bubble bath!
Why We Love
There are so many reasons to love this feel-good holiday. And you probably have your own!
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It feels good to give – Knowing your book is being read again instead of collecting dust? That’s a win.
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It spreads literacy – Donated books can help children learn, students study, and adults discover new passions.
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It declutters your home – Clearing your shelf is oddly satisfying, and it makes room for new favorites!
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It builds community – Books bring people together and foster conversation, connection, and imagination.
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