Essay

Book Giving Day: Why You Should Donate Books To Children

The Curious Reader

February 08, 2018

Raymond Arroyo has won awards for his journalism and work as a producer. He has a weekly show which reaches over 350 million global households and has been on the New York Times bestseller list several times. However, he says that his Will Wilder series of books for young readers just might be “the most important work I’ve ever done.”

According to Rosie Kendrick, the Principal of St. Stephen’s Catholic School in uptown New Orleans, it had been difficult to get their students to read but that changed once Arroyo visited the school and gave them copies of his book. Soon after, Kendrick was surprised to see students reading in hallways, unable to put the book down. For days, all the children spoke about was the book. She says, “Will Wilder changed their reading habits by making them want to read.”

International Book Giving Day

We often overlook the importance of books and how much of a difference they can make, especially in the lives of children. Thankfully,  Amy Broadmoore didn’t.

In 2012, she and her son conceived the International Book Giving Day which is celebrated every year on February 14, with the intention of getting books into the hands of as many children as possible. Today, it is celebrated across the world from the U.S. to Malawi and Poland to Puerto Rico.

In Calais, books were sent to child refugees.

6 new libraries have been established over the past 6 years, each one on Book Giving Day, in Cape Town.

The National Book Development Board in the Philippines organised the ‘Books are Love Giveaway’ giving individuals the chance to win books for themselves and their chosen library.

In 2017, Pakistan celebrated Book Giving Day for the first time. Over 200 books were distributed in Transworld School Rawalpindi and storytelling sessions were held at 2 different venues.

Why You Should Donate Books To Children

  1. You’ll help children:
    Books help children make sense of the world around them, impart morals and values to them, often without sounding preachy, teach them empathy, and the difference between right and wrong. Moreover, children who can’t read are unable to learn and this impacts their schooling.
  2. You’ll make space for more books:
    If you are like us, your shelves are probably overflowing with books and you may even have an extra copy or two of your favourite book. Perhaps, you’ve put a hold on buying new books simply because you no longer know where to keep them. So, make space for more books by letting go of the old ones- donate the books you feel can add value someone’s life.
  3. You’ll feel all warm and fuzzy inside:
    Seriously, you will feel all warm and fuzzy inside. You are spreading the joy of reading, and making some children smile simply by deciding to donate books. Besides, studies have shown that giving wholeheartedly will make you happy.
  4. You’ll change someone’s life:
    You know reading changed your life. Books have been your friends, your partners-in-crime, your confidante. They’ve transported you to new places, helped you find solutions to your problems and, often, simply provided an avenue to escape your reality. For the less fortunate, books are considered a luxury and they simply cannot afford them. Donate books so you can change that by providing much-needed access.
  5. You’ll give the best gift ever- books:
    Remember how you felt when you were given a book you’ve been dying to read as a gift? Now, you can pass on the same feeling by giving children the gift of books and inculcating the joy of reading.

Image Credit: Room To Read

Image Credit:  Wikimedia Commons

How To Celebrate Book Giving Day

This year, celebrate the International Book Giving Day by:

  1. Buying a book (or many) for a child(ren) you know.
  2. Donating your old books to an orphanage or a school in your neighbourhood.
  3. The Curious Reader is celebrating International Book Giving Day by donating books to underprivileged children. Send your books to us so we can donate them on your behalf. We’ll be organising pick-ups in Mumbai. Reach out to us through our website or DM us on Twitter.
  4. Spread the word to your family and friends.
  5. Share a photo of you celebrating Book Giving Day on social media. Use #BookGivingDay and don’t forget to tag us so we know what you are up to.

Share your experience of donating books with us. Do you have any suggestions on what else can be done on Book Giving Day?