Six ways to celebrate International Literacy Day

International Literacy Day is celebrated annually on September 8 to raise global awareness about the importance of literacy. As students, educators and families continue to grapple with the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, International Literacy Day feels more important than ever before.

Looking for ways to celebrate this year? Read on for some ideas!

1. Send a message of encouragement to an educator

Educators have endured countless challenges over the past two years. Teachers have faced months away from the classroom and have adapted to remote methods of teaching, all while providing critical support to the students who rely on them. Educators have been true heroes throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In honor of International Literacy Day, we celebrate their dedication and invite you to send a message of encouragement to Room to Read educators. Click here to write your message! 

2. Share a photo on social media of your favorite library or reading space

At Room to Read, we believe that libraries are magical places, where children can get lost in the joy and magic of a good book. Libraries can take many different forms, big and small — whether it’s your local public library or the reading corner in your home. Let’s show libraries some love this International Literacy Day! We invite you to share a photo on social media of your favorite library or reading space using the hashtag #LibrariesAreMagicalPlaces. And don’t forget to tag @RoomtoRead so we can share the magic of libraries all across the globe.

3. Create your own digital library for free on Literacy Cloud

What better way to celebrate International Literacy Day than to create your own digital library on Literacy Cloud, Room to Read’s digital library! To date, Literacy Cloud has more than 2,128 digital titles in 32 languages, so readers around the world can find books to enjoy. Click here to register for your free Literacy Cloud account today.

4. Sign up for Room to Read’s Book Club

Did you know Room to Read has our very own book club? After over 20 years of working to end illiteracy, we want to share what we’ve learned, created — and, yes, what we’ve read — with you. Join a community of readers, doers and global citizens of all ages to learn something new each month and delight in the magic of books. And what better time to join than International Literacy Day? Click here to join the Room to Read Book Club today!

5. Donate to Room to Read to help create a world free from illiteracy and gender inequality

We envision a world in which all children can pursue a quality education that prepares them to lead fulfilled lives and make positive change — in their families, communities and the world. Room to Read recognizes that deep disparity and education inequity exists throughout the world. Because of this, we are committed to working in historically low-income communities that have limited access to quality learning resources and equal opportunities.  

But we need your help. In honor of International Literacy Day, donate to Room to Read to help ensure that children across the globe can stay connected to the resources they need to access a quality education. 

6. Dive into a new book

There’s no better way to celebrate International Literacy Day than to pick up a book and read! Today, and every day, we encourage you to make time to dive into a storybook that sparks joy, learning and adventure. This month, we’re celebrating the joy that books bring through our partnership with Janie and Jack that will provide storybooks to children in Room to Read programs. We’re grateful for Janie and Jack’s commitment to literacy and to ensuring that all children have access to the power of books. On September 8, join Janie and Jack on Instagram for a read aloud of "Two Homes in Omar's Heart," a title from Room to Read’s Peace and Equality Book Collection.