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National Young Readers Week

Dive into adventures and unlock imagination during National Young Readers Week! Nurture the love for books in our young minds, one page at a time.

Monday

9–13

November 2026

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

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YEARLY DATESecond Full Week in November (Monday to Friday)

OBSERVED INUnited States

CATEGORYSchool

SUBCATEGORYLiteracy

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Spark joy and curiosity with the turn of every page this National Young Readers Week starting from November 11! This special celebration was initiated by Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress back in 1989. The aim was to recognize the pleasures of reading and to create a lifelong love of learning in children. It's a fantastic time to explore new worlds, characters, and ideas all contained within the magical realm of books. So, let's get excited about nurturing the love for books in the young minds and inspiring a future generation of avid readers! Discover, learn, and grow one delightful story at a time.

TIMELINE

National Young Readers Week Timeline

Dawn of Children's Literature

The 19th century saw the rise of children's literature with books like "Alice in Wonderland" and "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer".

Publishing of "Winnie-the-Pooh"

A.A. Milne's "Winnie-the-Pooh", a staple in children's literature, was published, promoting reading among youngsters.

Debut of "Sesame Street"

The educational television series "Sesame Street" debuted and soon became a critical tool in promoting early literacy and love for reading among kids.

Inception of National Young Readers Week

Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress initiated National Young Readers Week to recognize the pleasures of reading and to create a lifelong love of learning in children.

"Harry Potter" Phenomenon Begins

The publication of "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" triggered a worldwide reading phenomenon among young readers, enhancing the love for books globally.

Introduction of E-Books for Young Readers

With the advent of e-books, young readers were given more accessible and diverse options for reading, fostering a stronger reading culture among the youth.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate National Young Readers Week

Host a Book Swap Party

Encourage children to bring their favorite books and swap them with their friends. It's a fantastic way to explore multiple genres and develop diverse reading interests.

ORGANIZE

Organize a Reading Marathon

Select a range of short, age-appropriate books, then bring kids together for a reading marathon. You can set a finishing line with a certain number of books or time to add a competitive element.

PLAN

Plan Story Hour

Invite local authors or notable community members to read a book aloud to the kids. This interactive event can help ignite children's excitement in reading and imagination.

CREATE

Create a Interactive Storytelling Session

Go one step further than traditional storytelling by creating an interactive experience. Use props and costumes to bring the story to life and encourage kids to participate in the tale.

BUILD

Build a Reading Nook

Designate a cozy corner in your home or classroom for reading. Fill it with books, comfy pillows, and good lighting to create a welcoming environment that invites children to sit down with a good book.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why We Love National Young Readers Week

Promotes Creative Imagination

Whether through interactive storytelling sessions using props and costumes or designating a reading nook at home filled with inspiring books, National Young Readers Week encourage children to expand their imaginative horizons. It fuels creativity among kids, giving them an early introduction to original thinking and problem-solving skills.

A Love for Reading Begins

National Young Readers Week can serve as the starting point of a lifelong passion for reading in the young ones. From learning new concepts to developing language skills, it could create a fun, engaging and rewarding experience that enables them to enjoy the magic of books.

Opportunity for Community Engagement

This holiday provides a fantastic opportunity for community engagement, from organizing reading marathons to planning story hours with local authors. It's a perfect way to bring individuals together, fostering connection and promoting literacy among young readers in the community.

Related holidays

National Book Week

Unlock the magic of stories during National Book Week! Immerse in fabulous tales and embark on countless literary adventures!

Children’s Book Week

Unleash imagination and nurture curiosity during Children’s Book Week! Dive into whimsical tales that both enlighten and entertain.

Read to Your Child Day

Make memories and instill a love for reading on Read to Your Child Day - cuddle up with a book and watch their imagination soar!

International Children’s Book Day

Get ready to ignite your child's imagination and love for reading on International Children's Book Day - with new adventures waiting on every page!

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