901 saved#15 of 6,224

National Read a Book Day

Cultural observance on September 6 encouraging people to set aside time to read a book and celebrate the joy of reading.

Sunday

September 2026

Last updated February 26, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

Have an update or spot an error?

YEARLY DATESeptember 6

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYLiteracy

ORIGIN

Community Origin

FOUNDING ENTITY

Not documented

FIRST OBSERVED

late 2000s

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

No verified creator. Some sources attribute it to an unidentified librarian in the late 2000s, but no primary documentation supports this. The observance gained organic popularity and was widely recognized by 2015.

+ Know the story? Submit a founder Help us complete this holiday

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

National Read a Book Day on Sept. 6 is the perfect day to escape into your favorite book and get lost in the pages! This holiday has been around since the early 2000s, and celebrates reading of all kinds; from novels to poetry, biographies to children's books. Whether you prefer physical copies or digital downloads, there's something for everyone on this special day. So grab your favorite novel or pick up one you’ve never read before – it’s time to celebrate National Read a Book Day!

TIMELINE

National Read a Book Day Timeline

Invention of Printing Press

Johannes Gutenberg invented the printing press, allowing books to be produced more easily and making them more accessible to the general public.

Beginning of Public Libraries

Public libraries started to become common, promoting the habit of reading among people of all ages and backgrounds.

First Paperbacks

The first Penguin paperbacks were published, making books even more affordable and portable.

Launch of Project Gutenberg

Project Gutenberg was launched, becoming the first provider of free electronic books, or eBooks.

Introduction of Kindle

Amazon introduced the Kindle e-reader, revolutionizing the way people read and access books.

National Read a Book Day

The holiday, National Read a Book Day, was established to encourage reading among people of all ages.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Read a Book Day

Read a book in a new place

Whether it's the beach, a park, or your own backyard, pick a new place to read. Enjoy the fresh air and scenery while you get lost in a book.

HOST

Host a book club

Invite friends over for snacks and discuss your favorite books. Compare notes on characters, plot lines, and writing styles.

MAKE

Make a book list

Brainstorm all the books you'd like to read this year - classics, best sellers, self help - the possibilities are endless. Make sure to check them off as you finish each one.

VISIT

Visit a local bookstore

Support your local bookstore and explore the different titles they have to offer. Ask an employee for suggestions to find something new.

Go to a library

Head to your local library and find some hidden gems among the stacks. You never know what kind of books you'll discover!

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why National Read a Book Day is Important

It encourages imaginative play & discussion

Inspired by stories found in literature, children can express their creativity through imaginative play which helps develop their fine motor skills. Books also provide a great starting point for meaningful conversation between children and adults alike, introducing meaningful topics such as race, gender, values, etc.

Reading develops critical thinking skills

By reading, we gain the opportunity to think critically and expand our knowledge on a variety of topics. Reading also helps stimulate and engage our imagination, allowing us to explore beyond the physical world and discover new possibilities.

It expands our vocabulary

Reading teaches us new words and phrases that will help us express ourselves more effectively. Reading can also introduce us to different dialects and unfamiliar words that may broaden our linguistic repertoire and increase our cultural awareness.