Head to your local library. Don’t have a library card? There’s not a better day to sign up. Libraries are great for so many reasons, (literacy programs, free books, community involvement), but you can’t beat the feeling of being surrounded by thousands of stories. Visit a bookstore. Whether it’s local or a chain, many bookstores are celebrating the holiday with some free goodies. (I know that if you sign up for the Half Priced Books e-mail list, you’ll receive a voucher for a free bookish tote today!) Donate your books to a Little Free Library, your local library, or a bookish friend. Have too many books already? (Like that’s possible!) Why not donate a few for others to enjoy? Bonus points if you share a book with a friend, because you can talk about it as he or she reads it!
Spend some time reading today. This is the most obvious choice for you to celebrate today. Whether it’s a new book you’ve been dying to read or an old favorite, spend some time with your nose in a book. It can be for ten minutes or ten hours-the time doesn’t matter. As long as you are enjoying what you’re reading, that’s all that matters. Read with a little one. One of the greatest gifts you can give is the joy of reading. If you have little ones in your life, today is a great excuse to sit down with a board book, Dr. Seuss, or a chapter book with your favorite kiddo. If they see you enjoying reading, they are more likely to develop a joy of it as well. Make today the start of a reading habit with them! Listen to an audiobook. No time to sit down with a book today? Try an audiobook! I’ve been able to read so many more books in the past two years because of audiobooks. I listen while I’m doing chores, at the gym, and even in the shower. (I’m actually listening to an audiobook as I type this.) Need an audiobook recommendation? I have a few you might enjoy.
Share a photo to bookstagram. No matter what you’re doing today, the best way to spread bookish cheer is sharing it on social media for all to hear. If you’re on Instagram, you can jump into the conversation by using hashtags like #bookstagram #bibliophile #bookloversday #bookworm. Listen to a podcast about books. Podcasts are where I get a lot of my book recommendations. There are so many that look at both old and upcoming books that you have a lot to choose from. 70% of my podcast subscriptions are dedicated to books. I listed a few of my favorites over here. Drop some literary lingo. One of my favorite random holidays is National Talk Like a Pirate Day (September 19th) because I get to talk like a pirate all day! (I basically just quote Pirates of the Caribbean, but at least I’m trying.) So the thought of being able to quote my favorite books is really exciting to me. Think of it as a challenge to include a few of your favorite phrases and references in your everyday conversations.
Join or start a book club. Books are best enjoyed when shared, that’s why book clubs are such a good idea. We live in a time where you can be involved virtually in a book club, so location doesn’t have to hinder you. I’m involved in two online book clubs and one in person. It’s really helped be get out of my reading comfort zone to try reads I would have never considered. The conversation is always thought provoking and Host a book themed party If you really want to go all out, throw a literary party! You can’t go wrong with this one. Pick your favorite book and go to town with themed food, costumes, and decorations. Just please remember to invite me. Contact your favorite author. Most authors are active on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, so it’s easy to shoot a quick note their way to thank them for the impact their work has made on your life. You can even write them an email from the information found on their websites. Choose your own adventure today and celebrate Book Lovers Day by doing one or all of the ideas above. Don't forget to let me know how you'll be celebrating in the comments!
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