Book Giving Day

Here in Maine we are approaching our February break. In this week alone we have the 100th day of school, Valentine’s Day, a half day workshop (and a threatening snow day). Teachers are trying to pack in so much before the students are away for a week’s vacation. So I was reluctant to introduce one more ‘thing’ into their busy lives. It would have to be something pretty important, pretty special.

Well, this one is a ‘no-brainer’. Getting books into the hands of readers? Pretty important and pretty special. This Friday, February 14th (aside from being Valentine’s Day) is International Book Giving Day! This is a day dedicated to getting new, used and borrowed books in the hands of as many children as possible.

The International Book Giving Day site lists 3 ways to “celebrate” this festive day:

1. Give a new, used, or borrowed book to a friend, relative or child.

2. Leave a book in a waiting room or lobby (where kids might be hanging out and would pick up a good book).

3. Donate books that you or your children have ‘outgrown’ to children or organizations that could really use a book or two.

So you see it’s pretty simple. Give a book. You can share your plan for giving at the website and add your name to the list of people giving books to kids!

They’ve got downloadable bookplates that you can share with others and print posters celebrating International Book Giving Day in a variety of languages!

Just because the event is listed as February 14th, doesn’t mean the giving can only last a day! If you are too busy giving and receiving chocolates and roses this Friday, make this event a weekend or week-long celebration. I’d like to see International Book Giving WEEK take off!

You can follow this on twitter #giveabook and @bookgivingday

Share in the celebration, share the joy of reading, share a book!!

What’s on My Book Radar?

I just finished Megan Frazer Blakemore’s mysterious book The Water Castle. Set in Maine, this story is a marvelous weaving of the past and present in which several generations of families in the town of Crystal Springs uncover secrets and make discoveries that will leave the readers wondering “Do you believe in the unbelievable?”

You don’t have to be from Maine to appreciate this book, but I recommend that every Maine kiddo get their hands on a copy!