125 saved#1,806 of 6,224

International Literacy Day

Celebrate International Literacy Day by reading a book, donating to literacy programs, or teaching someone in need - make a difference today!

Tuesday

September 2026

Last updated February 7, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATESeptember 8

OBSERVED INInternationally

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYLiteracy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

International Literacy Day on September 8 is a day to celebrate the power of literacy and to bring awareness to its importance. This day has been celebrated since 1965, when UNESCO declared it as an international observance in order to promote reading and writing around the world. It's a great way for us all to recognize how far we've come in terms of education, and also help those who are still struggling with learning how to read or write basic skills.

TIMELINE

International Literacy Day Timeline

UNESCO Makes Declaration

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) declared September 8 as International Literacy Day.

First Observance

Worldwide observances of International Literacy Day commence, demonstrating the importance globally of reading and writing skills.

Inclusion in Millennium Goals

Educational initiatives, including literacy, are included in the UN's eight Millennium Development Goals.

Literacy in Sustainable Goals

UNESCO highlighted literacy as an essential part of the Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to the eradication of poverty.

Pandemic Impact Spotlighted

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, International Literacy Day highlighted the significance of digital literacy to ensure continuous learning in a difficult environmental context.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate International Literacy Day

Organize a readathon

Gather your friends, family and neighbors and organize a readathon. Have participants pledge to read for a certain amount of time or pages and then have them come together to celebrate their accomplishments and discuss what they've read.

DONATE

Donate books

Find your local library or community center that accepts book donations and donate some of your old books. You can also support literacy by donating new books to underprivileged schools in your area.

VISIT

Visit a bookstore

Head out to your favorite bookstore and browse around for new titles that pique your interest. You'll be helping support local businesses as well as promoting literacy.

LEARN

Learn a new language

Learning a new language is a great way to improve literacy skills. Find resources online or take an actual language course so you can start reading, writing, and speaking in another language.

VOLUNTEER

Volunteer at a library

Libraries offer many volunteer opportunities from helping with story time to teaching adults how to use computers. Volunteering at libraries helps promote the importance of reading and literacy in general.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why International Literacy Day is Important

It empowers future generations

By encouraging literacy programs around the world, International Literacy Day gives younger generations the skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. It is also an opportunity for parents and educators to help foster a culture of lifelong learning, which can create positive outcomes throughout society.

It promotes literacy education

International Literacy Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness for the need for literacy education around the world. This day serves as a reminder that literacy skills are essential to empower individuals with the knowledge and skills they need to improve their lives.

It increases access to information

By promoting access to books, magazines, newspapers, and other reading material, International Literacy Day helps individuals gain access to information about health, disease prevention, economic opportunities, and more. This access of power gives people the ability to make changes in their own lives or community.