Buy a Book Day

Buy a Book Day is an annual celebration that encourages people to purchase and read books, supporting authors, publishers, and bookstores while promoting literacy and the joy of reading.

Quick Facts

When is it?: September 7th
Tagged as: Literary holiday, Reading promotion
What’s the hashtag?: #BuyABookDay
When was it founded?: 2012
Who founded it?: Unknown, but popularized by Philip Athans

History of Buy a Book Day

Buy a Book Day was established to raise awareness about the declining book-buying and reading culture, particularly among younger generations. The holiday aims to revitalize interest in physical books and support the literary industry.

Timeline

3000 BCE: Sumerians use clay tablets for writing
105 CE: Chinese invent paper
2010: Philip Athans promotes the concept during the American recession
2012: First official celebration of Buy a Book Day

Buy a Book Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	September 7	Sunday
2026	September 7	Monday
2027	September 7	Tuesday
2028	September 7	Thursday
2029	September 7	Friday
2030	September 7	Saturday

Observed: Buy a Book Day

Buy a Book Day is celebrated worldwide, with book lovers visiting local bookstores or purchasing books online. Many people use this day to explore new genres, support independent authors, or gift books to friends and family.

The holiday encourages participants to buy new, full-price books by living authors to ensure they receive full royalties. Some bookstores offer special promotions or events to mark the occasion.

In the UK, a similar initiative called World Book Day provides children with £1 book tokens, allowing them to purchase special World Book Day books or get a discount on full-price books.

Fun Facts About Buy a Book Day

Over 100 countries participate in World Book Day celebrations
In the UK, children often dress up as their favorite book characters
Some bookstores host author signings and readings on this day
E-books and audiobooks are also promoted during the celebration
Many libraries organize special events to complement bookstore activities

Quiz

When is Buy a Book Day celebrated?
Who popularized the concept of Buy a Book Day during the American recession?
What do children in the UK receive on World Book Day?
How many countries participate in World Book Day celebrations?
What year was the first official Buy a Book Day celebrated?

(Answers: 1. September 7th, 2. Philip Athans, 3. £1 book tokens, 4. Over 100, 5. 2012)

FAQs

Q: Can I participate in Buy a Book Day by purchasing e-books?
A: Yes, while physical books are encouraged, e-books also support authors and publishers.

Q: Are there any special discounts on Buy a Book Day?
A: Some bookstores may offer promotions, but the main goal is to support the industry by buying full-price books.

Q: How can I celebrate if I can’t afford to buy a book?
A: You can visit a library, attend book-related events, or share your favorite books on social media.

Q: Is Buy a Book Day only for fiction books?
A: No, you can purchase any type of book, including non-fiction, cookbooks, or academic texts.

Q: Can I gift a book for Buy a Book Day?
A: Absolutely! Gifting books is a great way to spread the love of reading and celebrate the day.

Importance of Buy a Book Day

Buy a Book Day plays a crucial role in promoting literacy and supporting the literary industry. By encouraging people to purchase books, it helps sustain authors, publishers, and bookstores, many of which operate on thin profit margins.

The holiday also serves as a reminder of the importance of reading in our digital age. Books provide knowledge, foster empathy, and offer entertainment while improving vocabulary and reading skills.

Furthermore, Buy a Book Day helps preserve the cultural significance of physical books in an increasingly digital world, allowing people to experience the tactile pleasure of holding and reading a printed book.