Books For Treats Day is a unique celebration that encourages giving books instead of candy to children on Halloween. Founded by Rebecca Morgan in 1995, this day promotes literacy and healthier alternatives to traditional sugary treats. It’s a meaningful way to inspire young minds while celebrating the festive spirit of Halloween.
Quick Facts
- When is it? October 31 (annually)
- Tagged as: Literature & Writing
- What’s the hashtag? #BooksForTreats
- When was it founded? 1995
- Who founded it? Rebecca Morgan
History of Books For Treats Day
Books For Treats Day began in 1995 when Rebecca Morgan, frustrated with candy being the primary Halloween treat, decided to hand out books instead. She purchased gently used books from library sales and sorted them by grade level for trick-or-treaters. The positive response inspired her to expand the initiative, leading to the creation of the Books for Treats organization in 2001. Today, the movement has spread across the U.S. and Canada, promoting literacy and healthier Halloween traditions.
Timeline of Books For Treats Day
- 1995: Rebecca Morgan starts giving books instead of candy at her home in San Jose, CA.
- 2001: Books for Treats becomes an official organization.
- 2009: The “Luann” comic strip features Books for Treats, increasing its popularity.
- 2012: The initiative expands internationally with Canadian participation.
Books For Treats Day Dates
| Year | Month and Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | October 31 | Friday |
| 2026 | October 31 | Saturday |
| 2027 | October 31 | Sunday |
| 2028 | October 31 | Tuesday |
| 2029 | October 31 | Wednesday |
| 2030 | October 31 | Thursday |
Observed on Books For Treats Day
Books For Treats Day is observed by handing out books to children instead of candy during Halloween. Participants are encouraged to:
- Collect gently used or new books suitable for various age groups.
- Sort books by grade level for easy distribution.
- Spread awareness about the initiative by encouraging neighbors and friends to join.
This celebration not only promotes reading but also highlights the importance of thoughtful and lasting gifts.
Fun Facts About Books For Treats Day
- It started as a personal initiative by Rebecca Morgan at her home.
- The movement gained momentum after being featured in a popular comic strip in 2009.
- Books for Treats is now a non-profit organization supporting communities across North America.
Quiz
- Who founded Books For Treats Day?
- In which year did Books For Treats become an official organization?
- What is the main goal of this holiday?
- Which comic strip helped popularize this event in 2009?
- What hashtag is used for this day?
(Answers: Rebecca Morgan; 2001; Promote literacy through book-giving; Luann; #BooksForTreats)
FAQs
- What is Books For Treats Day about?
It’s about giving books instead of candy on Halloween to promote literacy and healthier habits. - Why was this day created?
Rebecca Morgan wanted to offer a meaningful alternative to candy that would last longer and benefit children. - How can I participate?
You can collect age-appropriate books and distribute them to trick-or-treaters on Halloween. - Is it limited to new books only?
No, gently used books are also encouraged as long as they are in good condition. - Where can I find discounted books for this event?
Library sales, garage sales, or through partnerships like Scholastic and Books4School.
Importance of Books For Treats Day
Books For Treats Day is significant because it promotes literacy while addressing health concerns associated with excessive candy consumption on Halloween. By giving books, we encourage children to read, spark their imagination, and foster lifelong learning habits. This thoughtful gesture also strengthens community bonds and shows care for future generations.
Related Holidays
- National Book Lovers Day
- World Literacy Day
- International Children’s Book Day