Celebrate International Literacy Day Coming Up on September 8th!

The cooler season approaches, evoking images of crisp air and curling up with a book and a hot drink. Is it any coincidence that this month marks International Literacy Day? Celebrated since 1967, UNESCO established this day, September 8 each year, “to remind the public of the importance of literacy as a matter of dignity and human rights.”

Surprising as it may seem, there are an estimated 750 million adults in the world who cannot read: not this blog post, not a road sign. Nor are they capable of holding a simple text message conversation, since literacy also encompasses the ability to write. In other figures, there is 90% literacy in the world for all males, and only 82.7% for all females.

In an impactful dialogue photographer Brandon Stanton held as part of his acclaimed Humans in New York project, a young Pakistani recounts, “My father used [his] knowledge to teach me how to read. I started with local newspapers. I learned that our village was part of a country…And I learned that there was an entire world around this mountain. I learned about human rights. And now I’m studying political science at the local university. I hope to be a teacher one day.” His story is just one example of the powerful ripple effect that learning to read and write makes on someone’s life, at all stages of development. It makes all the difference, both on a personal level, and when it comes to moving up the socioeconomic ladder.

Reading is also important for our health. Reading books, in particular, can improve concentration, attention span and memory. It has also been shown to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's and dementia later in life by maintaining brain health as we age.

So let's use the day to raise awareness of this issue and appreciate our own literacy, which can be so easy to take for granted. Here are some things you can do to participate in International Literacy Day.

INTERNATIONAL LITERACY DAY ACTIVITIES

Donate books. Round up a box of books that you or your kids don’t read anymore and hand them off at your local library, a US organization such as Kids Need to Read, or an organization that benefits African children, whose overall literacy rate is the lowest in the world, such as Books for Africa. These types of organizations also often accept financial donations in lieu of books.

Start a community lending library. These adorable mini-libraries are popping up all over and foster a love for reading, as well as a sense of community and goodwill. In fact, there is an official network of over 100,000 locations, so check on Little Free Library’s map for one near you, or find tips for building your own and register it for others to find!

Gift a book. Pick out a book for a special adult or child in your life that shows you were thinking of them. Books make great gifts for birthdays and holidays, but you don't have to wait until then. International Literacy Day or any other day is the perfect opportunity.

Create your own reading haven. Make it a priority to enjoy reading or writing by setting the perfect scene for yourself. Start by refreshing your personal library with a new book or notebook, get cozy in your favorite sweater, light a candle, and prep a mug of your favorite drink.

So get out there and celebrate International Literacy Day! Also, check out our Shop the Look for International Literacy Day for fun book-related items to treat you and your loved ones with.

xx, Danae