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National Family Literacy Day

Join us on National Family Literacy Day and learn how reading together can help create a closer bond with your family!

Sunday

November 2026

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

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YEARLY DATENovember 1

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYLiteracy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Get ready to celebrate and support literacy in your family on National Family Literacy Day on November 1! This day was created in 1994 to recognize the importance of families reading together, as well as encouraging children from an early age to develop a love for books. Reading is such a valuable skill that can open up so many doors later in life, so don't miss out on this opportunity!

TIMELINE

National Family Literacy Day Timeline

Creation of ILA

The International Literacy Association (ILA) was originally founded as the International Reading Association (IRA) to promote worldwide literacy.

Introduction of WLC

The National Center for Family Literacy (NCFL), now known as the World Literacy Council (WLC), was established to improve the educational opportunities for families.

Congressional Support

The U.S. Congress passed the National Literacy Act promoting literacy and basic skills improvement programs for adults.

Establishment of NFLD

National Family Literacy Day was established to encourage families to read together and promote literacy in younger generations.

Strengthening Adult Education

The National Literacy Act was expanded by the Adult Education and Family Literacy Act, enhancing the focus on family education.

Digital Literacy Focus

The importance of digital literacy became recognized, with organizations like the NCFL providing resources to help families navigate technology.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Family Literacy Day

Read together

Choose a book, or several, and have each family member read a portion of it out loud. Take turns reading pages, chapters, or even paragraphs to create a fun and interactive experience.

VISIT

Visit the library

Take a trip to your local library and browse the bookshelves together. Let everyone pick out a few books to take home and read, or find a place in the library to sit down and read together.

WRITE

Write stories

Encourage each family member to write their own story. Brainstorm ideas, create characters, and craft plots together as a family. Once finished, share stories with one another for an entertaining evening.

PLAY

Play word games

Word games can be both educational and fun for the whole family. Try playing Scrabble, Boggle, or Word Search to help build vocabulary skills while having a good time.

ATTEND

Attend a reading event

Look up your local libraries or bookstores for any special events related to literacy being held on National Family Literacy Day. These events can include readings by authors, play readings, educational seminars, and more!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Family Literacy Day is Important

It promotes literacy in underserved communities

Providing access to books and literacy resources is critical for helping ensure that all members of society have equal opportunities. National Family Literacy Day raises awareness of the importance of literacy in all communities, regardless of income or background, and works towards closing educational gaps across America.

It encourages a lifelong love of reading

Reading is an important skill that can benefit people throughout their lives. Celebrating National Family Literacy Day encourages parents and children to develop a love for books and literature, igniting a passion for learning in young minds that will last far beyond their schooling years.

It helps foster family togetherness

What better way to spend quality time with your loved ones than by snuggling up together to read a good book? Celebrating National Family Literacy Day helps promote bonding between parents and children and creates special memories they can cherish forever. Plus, it's an easy and fun way to teach little ones important lessons about the world!